‘Gangster Squad’ just hit Prime Video UK — Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and Sean Penn light up this violent noir thriller
Gangster Squad is the latest hidden gem to land on Prime Video UK, and it’s finally getting the attention it deserves. The 2013 action crime drama is surging in popularity, thanks to its star-studded cast and a gritty, stylized take on the mob-infested streets of 1940s Los Angeles.
Directed by Ruben Fleischer (“Zombieland,” “Venom”), Gangster Squad packs hard-boiled action and old-school style in a noir-soaked world of crime and corruption. While the film didn’t blow critics away when it first dropped, it’s finding new life on streaming, and honestly, it’s worth a watch just for the cast alone.
Stream “Gangster Squad” now on Prime Video UK.
What is ‘Gangster Squad’ about?
Set in 1949 Los Angeles, the movie follows Mickey Cohen (played by a menacing Sean Penn), a ruthless mob boss who runs the city with violence, bribes, and a tight grip on politicians and police. But not everyone is willing to bow to his reign.
John O’Mara (Josh Brolin), a hard-nosed LAPD sergeant and WWII veteran, is tasked with putting together an off-the-books team to take down Cohen’s criminal empire. It’s a small, elite squad, willing to bend the rules to serve justice, in a time when law and order barely exist.
Joining Brolin is a suave and smooth-talking cop Jerry Wooters (played by Ryan Gosling), who adds style and swagger to the mix. Alongside them are Wade Williams, Holt McCallany, and Robert Patrick, all bringing muscle and firepower to this underground team of lawmen.
Meanwhile, Emma Stone plays Grace Faraday, Cohen’s mistress who finds herself caught between the mob world and the cops, sharing electric chemistry with Gosling’s character. Nick Nolte plays the police chief pushing the squad from the shadows, rounding out a cast full of familiar faces and strong performances.
A violent, stylish throwback that’s perfect for action fans
Gangster Squad isn’t trying to reinvent the genre, and that’s okay. What it offers is slick visuals, stylish gunfights, and a throwback tone that feels like a blend of “The Untouchables” and “L.A. Confidential.”
Fleischer directs with flair, capturing a pulp-fiction version of Los Angeles that’s all smoky clubs, fast cars, and fedora-topped cops. The action is brutal and choreographed with intensity, and the pace rarely slows down.
It’s the cast, though, that really elevates the movie. Sean Penn is borderline unrecognizable, going all in on his villainous role with snarling menace. Brolin delivers a tough-as-nails performance, while Gosling steals every scene with his effortless cool and sly humor. His chemistry with Stone (their third film together) adds a romantic spark amid the violence.
‘Gangster Squad’ deserves a spot on your Prime Video watchlist
While it didn’t make waves with critics, sitting at 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score is much higher, hovering around 57%, showing that fans appreciated it more than reviewers did. The general consensus? It’s not deep, but it’s fun, flashy, and full of action.
In a Prime Video top 10 lineup often filled with generic thrillers and B-tier content, Gangster Squad actually feels like a movie worth streaming. It’s got a big-name cast, a classic cops-versus-mobsters setup, and enough gunfights to keep action fans entertained throughout.
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced crime thriller with a nostalgic twist and movie star power, Gangster Squad is well worth adding to your watchlist. It may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s an exciting ride back to the gritty streets of old-school L.A.