Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Director: Drew Goddard
Stars: Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson
Runtime: 141 minutes

Synopsis: A bunch of strangers' stay at the El Royale goes awfully wrong when their secrets start to surface.

• Performances: 6/10

Why? All the performances were good but no one truly had a chance to stand out. I didn't particularly find myself attached or caring about any of the characters, and part of the problem was because I couldn't relate to any of them.

• Screenplay: 5/10

Why? After the surprise hit that was "The Cabin in the Woods", I was really looking forward to what Drew Goddard was going to bring next to the table. And I was let down. On paper, the idea seemed perfect for the writer/director also responsible for popular TV shows like "Lost" and "Daredevil" and sure, "Bad Times" definitely had its moments, but it's tainted by characters I simply couldn't care about, a questionable logic, and unengaging dialogue. The story itself also lacked the originality that made his previous project such an entertaining and fresh one, and I even found myself unsatisfied by the turn of events depicted in the film.

• Costumes/Makeup: 7/10

Why? The costumes screamed 1960s-1970s, the era in which the movie takes place. The makeup and more specifically the characters' wounds and cuts, on the other hand, looked just a bit fake at times. 

• Editing: 4/10

Why? I hated the way the movie was cut together. For some reason, Goddard decided to tell the story in a nonlinear fashion and that decision really hurt the pacing of the film. "Bad Times" also didn't need to be 141 minutes long. I truly believe that the movie would've turned out much better had Goddard used a more straightforward way to tell his story.

• Cinematography: 6/10

Why? Some interesting shots and camera handling, but nothing that will really awe you. The color palette didn't really blend well with the film's tone in my opinion.

• Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

Why? The score was disappointing and didn't add anything to the movie. The soundtrack, however, did an excellent job taking the audience back to the film's era. Cynthia Erivo, who sings most of the film's songs, has a beautiful voice that will stick with you long after you leave the theater. 

FINAL GRADE: 5/10