'The Bling Ring' review: Lobotomized take on cult of celebrity
It's apparent the intent was to create a scathing commentary on those obsessed with celebrities - but in doing so, 'The Bling Ring' sinks to the level of stupidity of those its critiquing.
In short: A group of high school friends begin breaking into the homes of Hollywood celebrities, stealing everything from clothes, cash to jewelry. (watch the trailer)
Barely a scene passes without one or more characters making incredibly stupid decisions. Moreover, they puke out insipid dialogue that gives none of the characters any depth beyond their own shallow personalities. This incredible lack-of-depth is clearly by design - however, that creative intention does not make their idiotic actions or dialogue any easier to swallow.
Understanding what makes these thieves tick is a worthwhile endeavor, however, this film presents these burglars are little more than kids obsessed with status updates, texting, shoes, blogs and jewelry. Reducing these burglars to such one-dimensional characters makes it difficult to care about these valley girl in the slightest.
Many great films have characters who are terrible people who make terrible choices - the difference between them and 'Bling Ring' it's hard to even root for or against this group of burglars.
'Lost in Translation' is a great nuanced film. 'Somewhere' is a thoughtful slice of Hollywood life that makes many similar swipes at the nature of celebrity that 'Bling Ring' attempts to make, albeit in a more artistic manner. 'The Bling Ring' is a straight-forward, simple story of greedy celeb hounds who steal pretty things.
'The Bling Ring' attempts to skewer narcissistic, thoughtless, fame-hungry borderline sociopaths - but results in a simple movie packed with characters who act with little-to-no regard for the consequences of their actions. In the end, it's hard to care about what happens to them - which is a hallmark of a poorly executed film.
Final verdict: Disappointing on nearly every level and annoying is almost every regard.
Score: 2/5
