Amsterdam movie review: A fun ensemble leads a crafty whodunnit

The fall season is kicking into full gear with another star-studded film set to hit theaters in Amsterdam. Is the movie worth checking out in theaters? We will share our review and let you know.

Amsterdam follows three friends who attempt to go on a mission together to find out who murdered someone right in front of them before the cops arrest them for it. The movie stars Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington.

Let me start by saying my review is based solely on the film and the film itself. I do not condone any of the actions of writer/director David O’ Russell. 

We meet Burt (Bale) and Harold (Washington), who are veterans trying to make a change post-war. Burt is a doctor with some uncharacteristic practices, but they help Harold, an attorney, helps them gets the job done. One day, Liza Meekins (Taylor Swift) approaches them to do an autopsy on her father because she thinks he was murdered. The duo reluctantly does it, which leads to another murder, and the pair are on the run because they believe they are the ones who did it.

After heading on the run, the duo runs into an old friend Valerie (Robbie), who helps them hunt down the man and/or team behind the murder of their friend Mr. Meekins. From here, the dynamic trio faces obstacle after obstacle in their hunt, leading to a big culmination that reveals it all.

Amsterdam features an incredibly fun ensemble and crafty story

The heartbeat of this film is the trio of Margot Robbie, Christian Bale, and John David Washington, who deliver the quick-witted funny one-liners that make this movie so much fun. The three of them looked like they were having the time of their life. It was because of their chemistry and work within their respective roles that made you care about the story. I loved the three of them together.

The rest of the ensemble is equally electric, with Chris Rock playing a pivotal part in the perfectly timed comedy. Another stand-out was the duo of Michael Shannon and Michael Myers. I never knew I needed a movie with these two, but they were so much fun, and I NEED a film based on these two characters ASAP.

Regarding the bad, I will say the film felt slightly long towards the end. I didn’t hate the runtime, but it felt like it meandered around a little bit towards the end. It felt like it could’ve used a little bit more of an edit and it is even smoother.

Overall, it’s a smartly written, carefully crafted, quick-witted whodunnit led by an incredible ensemble that makes Amsterdam one of the best times I had at the movies this year. I easily recommend this one.

Amsterdam hits theaters on Oct. 7, 2022.