Amsterdam, directed by David O. Russell and released October 7^th, is a mystery movie set in 1933 New York with bursts of thrilling action and a bold plot line.

Burt, Valerie, and Harold are three friends who meet in Europe during World War 1. After the end of the war, they spend some time in Amsterdam, finally feeling recognized and not judged. Eventually, Burt decides that he must go back to his family in the U.S., so they part ways. Before leaving one another completely, they promise to always have each other’s backs. Burt and Harold stay in touch, Burt being a doctor who works with Harold, a lawyer in New York City. Valerie is cooped up at the home of her brother and his wife in a rural town, losing touch with both men. During one of Burt and Harold’s cases, they witness a man die and find themselves to become the main suspects. The two men decide that they must find a powerful man to defend them and convince the world that they did not commit murder. Along the way, they reunite with Valerie, rekindling their friendship. They also uncover an evil plot involving some of the most influential men in the United States, which has the potential to take down American democracy. Eventually, they solve the case and take down the plot to destroy the United States.

The cast was star-studded, with Margot Robbie playing Valerie, Christian Bale acting as Burt, and John David Washington portraying Harold. Various other celebrities such as Anya Taylor Joy, Chris Rock, Robert De Niro, and Taylor Swift are featured. The set of the movie is also fantastic, with the contrasting sweet rural home of Valerie, gruff New York streets, and golden oasis of Amsterdam. The costumes are beautifully constructed, each fitting the character and their personality perfectly. All in all, Amsterdam had the components for an exquisite movie. So, why is it dulling enough to put the audience of a movie theater to sleep?

The beginning of the movie is promising: an autopsy, a murder, two men on the run. But just like the lives of the characters after leaving Amsterdam, the movie quickly goes downhill. In totality, the movie is too long. Many of the scenes feel uninteresting, with far too much repetitive speaking. It is quite easy to lose an audience’s attention when a film is filled with too much information for them to remember. The theaters should pass out complementary notepads before the movie for viewers to write down information throughout the film. The plot feels overstuffed with details, from Burt’s medicinal creations and conflict with his wife, to Valerie’s tense relationship with her sister-in-law. Some major editing would have made Amsterdam potentially watchable.

Amsterdam is a movie best viewed in segments over the course of multiple days. Well, that is if you would like to remember any of the plot. The movie is gorgeous, with detailed costumes and sets. I cannot say that I recommend this film, as I nearly took a nap while watching it, but I give it 1.5 out of 5 shields, for the wonderful acting and setting.