[Movie Review] The Bling Ring (2013)

Posted on June 13, 2013 by thegrandshuckett in Movie Reviews // 0 Comments

Plot Summary: Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities' whereabouts in order to rob their homes.

Director: Sofia Coppola

Writers: Sofia Coppla, Nancy Jo Sales (based on the Vanity Fair article "The Suspects Wore Louboutins" by)

Runtime: 90 min

Main Cast:

Katie Chang as Rebecca
Israel Broussard as Marc
Emma Watson as Nicki
Claire Julien as Chloe
Taissa Farmiga as Sam
Leslie Manna as Laurie

Review: by Lee

I had no preconceived notions going into seeing The Bling Ring. I had no idea what it was about or who was going to be in it, aside from Emma Watson. She was honestly the only reason I even saw it. Considering that I had no expectations, I wasn't disappointed.

What I Liked:

The acting was actually impressive. At times, I wondered whether it was bad acting because they were so superficial, whiny, and just plain dumb, but watching Emma Watson vapidly calling any and everything “chill” made me realize they were just portraying their characters extremely well. The main characters were not meant to be liked. They were downright despicable and an accurate portrayal of everything that is wrong with today’s youth.

It was funny. Sometimes I debated whether I should have been laughing at these horrid excuses for human beings committing despicable crimes, but it was too hard to resist chuckling at their idiocy.

Emma Watson was amazing. I know I already said that the acting was good, but she deserves another mention. The character she portrayed was so completely different from what she’s done before that it is mesmerizing to watch. I especially loved the club scenes, watching her dance, and listening to her speak without her British accent.

I’m not into fashion or celebrity lifestyles by any stretch of the imagination, but for someone who is into that sort of thing this movie would be amazing. From the beginning to the end, there was a nonstop string of Louboutin, Chanel, and other designers about whom I haven’t the slightest clue. They actually even used Paris Hilton’s real home, complete with all of her belongings and decorations.

The movie was portraying actual events. I already stated that I have no real interest in keeping track of celebrities, but even I had heard of the so-called “Bling Ring.” The real individuals about whom the movie was written are major attention-seekers, but the movie did not put them in a glamorous light. While it undoubtedly did bring them publicity, it did it in a way that allows you to make your own judgments.

What I Didn’t Like:

It seemed pointless. I was not invested in it at all. There was no one to root for. I didn’t feel sorry for the kids because they were not likable and were committing crimes, but I didn’t feel sorry for their “victims” either. The celebrities in the movie didn’t even lock their doors, and the items stolen from them were probably gifts anyway. It was difficult finding a reason for actually watching.

I could add other things about the timing and such, but I think what I just said was more than enough not to like. There was no point to watching it… the end.

Summary

It was not a bad movie. In fact, it was actually a pretty good movie. It was artistically done and had some great acting, but, again, there was no point. If you would like to see a movie about a bunch of idiotic, adolescent a-holes doing a bunch of drugs and committing completely nonviolent crimes, by all means see it. At least you’d get to see Emma Watson. Did I mention how great she was?

You can purchase The Bling Ring on Blu Ray from Amazon here: