by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who does not love a good story about forbidden love? That feeling we get when we watch two people connect so well, but life stops them around every corner is something special. That’s why Romeo & Juliet is still so popular. They are deeply in love, but their families want nothing more than for them to be apart. Then we get reimagined versions of this timeless tale like West Side Story. Memorable and poignant musical numbers make everything better, right? Even Steven Spielberg is bringing it back to life later this year. But before we get that, Lionsgate has a new film coming your way that not only brings the forbidden love, but brings the action and mob life, too! Collin Schiffli presents… Die in a Gunfight.
What does Schiffli do to make this latest adaptation stand out in 2021?
Style. All of the style. It doesn’t quite reach Baz Luhrmann levels of style, but it certainly does a respectable job. The visuals are slick with lights and colors filling every frame with plenty of personality. The film moves along in an energy-fueled state making for a quiet watch. There is a certain spark around the film that makes it watchable without even considering the story or characters. Normally narration can feel overbearing and unnecessary, but when Billy Crudup does it, it just feels like music to my ears. The audience is even treated to some fun animation to convey some of the important background exposition. There is more style than substance in this film, but it is some great style.
How does the script make this update of Romeo & Juliet memorable?
Well, it gives the story a mobster flare… which is different. Two rival mob families where the children fall in love? Sounds like a fun twist on the story. It certainly leaves things open to be more tense, and certainly violent along the way. The story feels a little too trope-y when it comes to the mobster crime drama sub-genre, but it does set up some fun scenes along the way, at least. What is also lacking is the depth overall of the story and characters. Not many of the characters along the way are interesting or memorable. I highly doubt I will fondly remember any of these characters long after watching (except maybe one… but we will get there).
I know I love some Crudup narration, but how does the rest of the cast do?
Starting with the leads, Alexandra Daddario is probably going to be the big standout of the cast because she just oozes charm and is a striking vision on screen. Her romantic counterpart in Diego Boneta is… fine. Justin Chatwin is… fine. Did I keep confusing them? Yeah… but to be honest, they are not memorable characters to begin with. They also have similar looks. The rest of the cast are solid and serviceable, but the cast is not the strong suit in this cinematic equation. But Travis Fimmel of Vikings fame is a live wire on screen. He is next level with his charisma and makes for a memorable presence (queue my point early about one member of the cast standing out). Come for the style and bold storytelling… stay for the Fimmel.
Will Die in a Gunfight join the lasting lexicon of successful and iconic Romeo & Juliet adaptations?
Probably not, but it is certainly a blast. Much more style over substance, this flick is a fun time and a zippy watch. But does anyone really die in a gunfight? You will have to check it out to find out!
Grade: B