On Monday night I went to see "The Bling Ring." I couldn't wait to go. What could be more salacious than already wealthy Los Angeles teenagers stealing from celebrities?
I am sad to report that I hated it.
I take that back. I didn't hate the movie itself, I hated everything portrayed in the movie. "The Bling Ring" is based on real life events and as you watch these kids breaking into homes, swiping people's prized possessions, lying to their parents, doing excessive amounts of drugs, driving wasted and much more, your stomach turns.
Rebecca, played by actress Katie Chang, is the leader of the ring. When new guy Marc, played by Israel Broussard, comes to town, he is desperate to fit in and welcomes the attention from Rebecca. She quickly brings him into her world of recreational robbing. Let me tell you, after watching this movie, you will never leave a door in your house or car unlocked again. Ever.
Rebecca's best friend is Chloe, played by Claire Julien. Chloe hooks the gang up with VIP access to a night club where they have a private table, bottle service and they rule the dance floor. It doesn't hurt that she's sleeping with the club manager, played by Gavin Rossdale. I had no idea he was in the movie! He played the slimy role perfectly.
The ring is rounded out by Nicki, played by Emma Watson, and Sam, played by Taissa Farmiga. Taissa's older sister is actress Vera Farmiga who starred opposite George Clooney in "Up in the Air." You can see the resemblance with every facial expression.
There was some kind of weird sexual tension between Nicki and Sam which makes you very uncomfortable.
Over the course of the movie the gang robs Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, Megan Fox, Audrina Patridge and Rachel Bilson. They openly brag about their loot and post pictures on Facebook. Oh the selfies! I thought I was going to vomit.
The crew visits Paris Hilton's house so often that Rebecca simply texts the gang, "Let's go to Paris tonight."
At the end of the film, the ring is finally busted and taken to court. They show zero remorse for what they have done and they don't hesitate to throw each other under the bus. As I said earlier, they have no redeeming qualities.
Though I hated the characters, and it freaks me out even more to think they are real people, I will say, Sofia Coppola did a great job directing the film. The soundtrack was incredible. She did a tremendous job making you feel the adrenaline rush when the crew was sneaking around and especially when they were doing cocaine and flying off the handle.
If I were you, I'd save your money and skip "The Bling Ring" in the theater.
I did see a preview for the new Shailene Woodley movie "The Spectacular Now," which looks excellent. Keep your eyes peeled for that.
Did you see "The Bling Ring" and do you agree with me?
