Movie Review: Bad Times At The El Royale

"Bad Times at the El Royale" is one of those movies that is best enjoyed when you know nothing about its premise, the better for you to enjoy all the twists and surprises. Which probably explains why the producers took great care to keeping its secrets, you know secret. 

With that being said, fear not dear reader as this review has no spoilers whatsoever and you will easily still be able to enjoy the film for all of its jaw dropping surprises. 

Nothing is what it seems at the run down "El Royale" hotel, which straddles the borders of California and Nevada. You can choose whether to stay on the California side or on the Nevada side of the hotel, one side costs more, guess which one. 

Set in 1969, seven strangers with their own secrets meet one fateful night and things get weird fast. Jeff Bridges is Father Daniel Flynn, a Catholic priest staying for the night after seeing his brother. Cynthia Erivo is Darlene Sweet, a soul singer, so yes you can expect a couple of amazing performances and song choices in this one. 

John Hamm, is Seymour Sullivan, a traveling sales agent for a vacuum company.  

Dakota Johnson is Emily Summerspring. A woman who gives little to no introduction when she checks in the hotel, and lets keep it at that.

Lewis Pullman is Miles Miller, the concierge in the hotel. 

Chris Hemsworth is the charismatic and often shirtless (not that I'm complaining) Billy Lee. 

Cailee Spaeny is Rose.  

Despite its long run time "Bad Times at the El Royale" is an unpredictable thriller filled with surprises at every corner. The framing of the scenes, the visuals used, the transition from flashbacks to the present is very meticulous and precise. 

The film's long run time definitely hurt the pace of the story, I could think of a at least five scenes that could have been trimmed down but would still have the same effect in the end. So if you are seeing this one, and I would recommend that you do. Make sure you plan it out on your schedule. 

Darlene (Cynthia Erivio) steals the show in this one, her jaded and wise beyond years character, whose kindness is a light in this dark tale will have you rooting for her. She will also soon star in the highly anticipated "Widows". 

These seven strangers come face to face with the hotel's shocking secrets. The question is- who gets to check out? 

7.5/10 "Bad Times at the El Royale" is now showing. 

Movies: Chris Hemsworth Is Having A Grand Time In R-Rated “Bad Times At The El Royale”

Chris Hemsworth in Bad Times At The El Royale

Beneath the sexiness, glitz and glamour is paranoia in the riveting mystery thriller “Bad Times at the El Royale” set in the tumultuous 1960s, directed and written by blockbuster filmmaker Drew Goddard (The Martian, World War Z) that also stars a powerhouse cast composed of Chris Hemsworth, Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges, Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo, Lewis Pullman, Dakota Johnson, Cailee Spaeny and Emmy Award-winner Jon Hamm.

Set in the late 60s, the ingenious plot revolves around seven strangers with dark secrets, who cross paths at a rundown hotel right on the border of Nevada and California. Over the course of one fateful night, the lives of these individuals become entangled, as mysterious and shocking events unfold. Everyone at the hotel El Royale has something to hide and it is impossible to know who to trust.

Movies: A Perilous Journey Beckons In R-Rated Film “Bad Times At The El Royale”

Chris Hemsworth in Bad Times At The El Royale

Stars collide in the upcoming R-rated intense crime drama “Bad Times at the El Royale” featuring the director’s (Drew Goddard) dream cast composed of Academy Award®-winner Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), Tony® Award-winner Cynthia Erivo (Broadway’s The Color Purple), Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades trilogy), Emmy® Award-winner Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Cailee Spaeny (Pacific Rim: Uprising), Lewis Pullman (Battle of the Sexes), and  Chris Hemsworth (Avengers: Infinity War).

Movies: “Bad Times At The El Royale” Latest Trailer Drop

Drew Goddard, known for his string of highly-successful and acclaimed feature films and series (“Cabin in the Woods,” “The Martian,” “Lost” TV series) helms the latest mystery thriller “Bad Times at the El Royale” set at the backdrop of 60’s retro cool style. 

The movie’s latest official trailer drop at Youtube 20thcenturyfoxph and Facebook 20th Century Fox (Philippines) reveals a multi-generational ensemble cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Dakota Johnson, Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Cynthia Erivo, Lewis Pullman and Cailee Spaeney. “Bad Times at the El Royale” leads the audience to these seven strangers, all of whom have dark shady pasts that begin to intersect at the legendary hotel in Lake Tahoe where they all meet and are offered one last shot at redemption before the inevitable hellish fate happens.

“Bad Times at the El Royale” will open November 21 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox.

Movies: “Bad Times At The El Royale” Trailer Debut

Chris Hemsworth in Bad Times At The El Royale

“Bad Times at the El Royale” trailer debut reveals an intense, sexy and dangerous night at a hotel full of secrets and mystery that features an all-star studded cast including Chris Hemsworth, Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman and Nick Offerman.

Directed by Drew Goddard (Cabin at the Woods), “Bad Times at the El Royale” follows seven strangers, all with secrets they have to bury who meet at Lake Tahoe’s El Royale – a rundown hotel with a dark past.  Over the course of one fateful night, everyone will have a last shot at redemption… before everything goes to hell.