Starring: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson
Directed By: Sofia Coppola
Rated: R
Running Time: 90 minutes
A24
Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars
Before I begin, I must say I’m not very well versed in the whole “Bling Ring” incident although I do remember when it happened. I also must point out that if you are well versed, the movie has changed the names of those apart of the the “Bling Ring”. I also have to admit, that as an avid movie fan, I have not seen a Sofia Coppola movie until I watched “The Bling Ring”. So here’s to hoping the rest of her movies are not like this. I guess you could say my expectations were high considering all the great things I’ve heard about the director/writer, especially “Lost in Translation”. During the movie, I could tell she definitely has an eye when it comes to unique shots and sequences that establish so much without the uttering of a single word. It’s just too bad the script dragged it down.
The movie begins by introducing us to the characters, albeit a short simple to the point introduction. Marc (Israel Broussard) is the new kid at school. He’s scoffed as he walks through the school doors, making him the quiet, loner. He then meets Rebecca (Katie Chang), an avid TMZ viewer and pop-culture, rap junkie. Through their odd, mutual fascination of celebrities, drug use and fashion sense, they become like brother and sister as the movie progresses. Through Rebecca, Marc meets the other crime partners to the “Bling Ring”, Nicki (Emma Watson), Sam (Taissa Farmiga) and Chloe (Claire Julien). They also talk like self-absorbed rich kids who’ve watched one too many reality shows. There are others who eventually become ensnared into their web of misdeeds, but when the movie doesn’t focus on developing the main characters, it’s very hard to care about the secondary ones. The one side character I really enjoyed was Laurie (Leslie Mann), who played the oblivious parent to Nick and Sam. She believes them to be inherently good and capable of great and powerful things through her spiritual teachings and connection to the book, “The Secret”(yes you read that right). That did provide some great comical relief.
The first two-thirds of the movie are spent showing the perverse construction of Marc and Rebecca’s friendship through petty thievery. Eventually that leads to the two of them looking up Paris Hilton’s home address and musing “Do you think it’s unlocked?” After the Paris Hilton break-in, the “Bling Ring” grows. Moving up to the break-ins of Megan Fox, Orlando Bloom, Rachel Bilson and others. For good measure the also rob Paris Hilton a couple more times. They steal jewelry, clothes, money and anything they find suitable for the fabulous lifestyle they wish to live. At a certain point I wrote down on my notepad, “Drugs, Stealing, Facebook, Partying.” Are we simply suppose to despise these characters and not see any redeeming qualities about them?
As they browse through lavish clothes and flips through wads of hundreds, you can tell they see themselves in the right. They name drop fashion designs and discuss what house they wish to break into next. They drink and drive, snort cocaine and then dance the night away. I get it, they’re trying to emulate the celebrities they obsess over. There’s no need to repeat the message. At no point are we offered an explanation as to why Marc would crave the acceptance of his new friends. To the point where he’s researching where Orlando Bloom’s home is so they can plunder it. It’s never explained where Rebecca’s gang leader mentality comes from. We’re never shown why the others are blindly following the lead of Rebecca as they stomp through celebrities home celebrating their burglary. We don’t even know why Marc has a conscience, as he nervously walks from room to room saying “We need to go, we’re gonna get caught.”
The saving grace for this movie comes in the last third of the movie when everything begins to crumble. Police are beginning to catch on, celebrities are are noticing their stolen goods and Rebecca’s arrogance barrels her forward to being more audacious with the ransacking of the rich and famous. If you don’t remember this scandal, you might find this villainous look into the “Bling Ring” beginnings and ending, interesting. But if you’re like me, you’ll be slouched in your theater chair watching people you don’t like stealing from celebrities you don’t like.
