Bad Times at the El Royale

I had to pee so damn bad by the time my early morning showing of Bad Times at the El Royale ended. 

Granted, that was likely due to my ~2 cups of coffee and half a glass of water (I like to stay hydrated, ok!?), but it's also a bit of a knock on the 141 minute runtime of a film that could have used a fairly significant trimming. 

More on that later, but there's some interesting backstory here as El Royale has been on my radar for quite some time. Initial trailers are fantastic, but became increasingly overplayed in the theaters. In fact, my showing of The Predator had no fewer than FIVE previews for El Royale before it because they were separated into character trailers culminating in a full-length one.

I do still love to watch previews at a theater, but there are a few films that just run themselves into the ground before they even release *cough The Meg cough cough*. El Royale was dangerously close to that. 

Of course I'm sure it didn't help that I also did a research study that, unknown to me, was based around providing feedback for this upcoming film. We saw about 10 different trailers and rated them on a variety of topics. I always enjoy these research studies, but suffice it to say that by the time El Royale hit theaters, I was ready for it. 

El Royale is written and directed by Drew Goddard who shows off some serious skill here in both regards. Pacing may not exactly be one of them, but there is definitely a sense of mystery that is palpable throughout, a la LOST. You're glued to your seat and eager to find out what the connection is between all of these characters and the El Royale, a hotel that is split down the middle; half in California and half in Nevada. 

Feels kinda like a great episode of Fargo ^^

The premise plus all the A-list stars immediately makes this an intriguing trip to the movies and there's something wonderful about seeing a "big" film that's highly original. Icing on the cake is the period setting that lends itself to different technology and music. For the first 90 minutes or so, the film zips right along with an impressive pace. Goddard shows his skill behind the camera, building scenes slowly, but efficiently and using edits only when needed. It's a skill that more filmmakers could try and adopt as it helps to build a better atmosphere. Atmosphere is really important and impactful in El Royale and it does a great job of being equal parts creepy, intriguing, and fun. Unfortunately, its final "act" brings most of this to a screeching halt with an ending climax that is entirely too long and makes the film drag, offering a startling juxtaposition from what came before it. It's not necessarily a bad scene or climax -- it's here where we're introduced to Hemsworth's cult-like villain -- but it just keeps going...and going...and going...Yes, some of this frustration is coming from my over-caffeinated bladder needing to go, but it's also highly noticeable from a transition perspective. The film took its time beforehand, but it felt like each piece was adding up to something and the culmination of it all feels like its dragged out for the sake of dramatics. The end "shocks" and twists/turns don't really add up to what I thought they would either which was a bit disappointing. Not to give too much away, but it was less that I was wrong and more that I was waiting for some moment to be revealed where there was some HUGE connection between these characters and...well...it doesn't come. It's not a bad ending, just a tad underwhelming and overdone. 

Down the middle of the California/Nevada divide

Luckily though, the rest of El Royale is a delight. The cast is a treat with each of them really impressing during their on-screen time. Bridges is the "anchor" of the group, so to speak, while Cynthia Erivo holds her own right along side her. Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson, and Lewis Pullman all bring something special to substantial supporting roles and each one has their own distinct "thing" that makes it feel like a big game of Clue. Hemsworth isn't introduced until late in the film but does fine as the last-minute villain. Any fault of his character is more about how little he plays a role until he actually does vs. the actor himself and it is fun to see him in this type of role. 

I've alluded to it a bit before, but the cinematography and editing are top notch and really the sign of a talented filmmaker. There's care put into the images on screen and their framing and again, the breathing room with minimal editing does wonders for the film. It's also got one HELL of a soundtrack, fitting for the time period. Lots of old jazz and rock pieces are scattered throughout and add to both the mystery and environment. 

Don't say I never did nothing for you, ladies!

While it may not necessarily stick the landing (in more ways than one), Bad Times at the El Royale is a enticing star-driven mystery that will keep you entertained, questioning, laughing a bit, and likely needing to go pee. Especially if you have tons of coffee.

CONS

• The ending is too long and brings the film to a much slower pace than what it had been at
• End result to the "mystery" of all these characters is underwhelming given all the build up (and the way the movie was sold with "All Roads Lead Here" type of marketing slogans)

PROS

• Wonderful atmosphere provided by nice, minimally edited scenes that show Goddard's skills
• Excellent, efficient pacing for a majority of the film
• Nice mystery that is built well by the differences in characters, originality of the film, and the aforementioned atmosphere
• Wonderful cast that each brings something interesting to the table and it seems like they're having fun doing it
• Cinematography is strong
• Time period is fun and means we get some awesome music along with it
• An intriguing mystery that moves along nicely and builds upon itself well

Rath's Review Score | 7.5/10