David O. Russell’s Amsterdam is many things, sadly overlong and dull are among them. And let’s face it, with an absolute stacked cast of A-list talent, it’s a pretty big waste of potential. It’s not all bad, however, as there is some charm to be found, not to mention a really great looking 1930’s historical backdrop. Our director surely knows how to make everything look good, but it’s the pacing and overly complicated script that derails the proceedings. It’s odd, because while some stretches are laborious to get through, there are others that are delightfully entertaining. There’s just no consistency, nor are there many laughs (you know it’s bad when not even Chris Rock brings the funny). And with little in the way of action or thrills either, the film just sits at the fringes of a bunch of genres, never finding a rhythm. One must feel for the actors involved, as they are clearly trying their best - Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington especially put their best foots forward. And while Rami Malek and Anya Taylor Joy get to ham it up, Robert De Niro pretty much phones it in. And it’s not like the film doesn’t have anything to say. Trust me, there’s lots being tackled, from racism and ignorance to class systems and power struggles. But, by trying to be too much, it ends up delivering too little. Go figure.