Amsterdam

“Amsterdam” is a completely fictionalized retelling of the Business Plot, a 1930s political conspiracy. Starring Christian Bale and Margot Robbie, John David Washington and other A-List actors. The films opens with narration by Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale), a man who was injured in war and now works as a doctor rebuilding veterans from the inside (music and experimental drugs) and out (prosthetics). We soon get a glimpse into his past when a fellow veteran and dear friend (Washington) asks for a favor. Little does he know that this favor will have him wrapped up in a massive conspiracy!

Let’s start with the acting, it’s truly a mixed bag Margot Robbie shines and Bale are believable, although at times over the top. However, Washington is just lousy—a stiff, monotonous bore. He brings down every scene he is in. Despite better acting surrounding him, he doesn’t measure up, and the film suffers. Similar can be said of Taylor Swift who plays Liz Meekins, daughter of U.S. Senator Bill Meekins (Ed Begley Jr.). However, some of the other actors are fitting (Zoe Saldana, Robert De Niro, and Rami Malek).

Acting aside, the film with its direction and plot comes across as pretentious and deliberately disjointed in order to appear quirky and Oscar-worthy. It almost attempts to mimic Wes Anderson’s style (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”), but simply falls short.

Now to the objectionable content. The film deals with war (blood, guts, and gore), alcohol, drug use and abuse, language/blasphemy, and racism surrounding the 1930s. The later is handled poorly via a Chris Rock stand-up bit.

In addition to all objections above, the film glorifies premarital relations with a type of free love theme which wasn’t really popularized until the 1960s. Again, this is a fictionalized retelling.

The story is about finding the truth, no matter the obstacles. Life’s trials lead us to distraction and seeking after other means to get through.

Therefore, holy brothers, partners in a heavenly calling, keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. —Hebrews 3:1

As for a recommendation, it’s a no from me. All the star power in the world couldn’t free the story or the viewer from its incohesive plot—especially with the objectionable content mentioned earlier. It’s a resounding no.

• Drugs/Alcohol: Extreme
• Violence: Very Heavy
• Sex: Heavy
• Profane language: Heavy— • “Oh my G*d” (5) • “Oh G*d” (3) • “My G*d” • “Oh for G*d’s sakes” • “Holy sh*t” • “d*mn” (4) • “H*ll” (6)
• Vulgar/Crude language: Heavy— • F-word (1 or more) • “Son of a b*tch” (4) • “Bastards” (2) • S-words (3) • “Wipe their dog’s ass with it” • “Don’t scr*w this up”
• Wokeism: Heavy
• Nudity: Moderate
• Occult: Mild

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.