There's a scene early on in The Bling Ring that was reminiscent of last year's excellent The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. This scene involves Marc (Israel Broussard) lucking into a group of female friends after a rough day first of high school. He is called a loser and pushed around until Rebecca (Katie Chang) lets him into her group of cool, hot females. This alone would sum up the main problem of this film if it weren't for the fact that the film is based on a true story of how this exclusive group of friends started robbing the homes of many celebrities. Marc is supposed to be a loser for the first 10 minutes of the film and he is. However, once he joins the "cool" females---he's supposed to be considered cool. In actuality---neither the females nor Marc are cool. Anyone who watches this film and doesn't automatically think "what sad, pathetic, unlikable, completely dumb losers" about all five of the main characters was probably asleep during the film. This is not a movie so much as an excuse for five actors (only one of whom is actually well known) to try on clothes and for writer-director Sofia Coppola to watch. I will admit---I am in the minority of critics who thought Coppola's last production, Somewhere was one of the worst films of 2010. I'll also admit that I found The Bling Ring to be a bit better (it does at least spew out minimal social commentary) but not by much. Coppola's best work comes in the form of a brilliant drama called Lost In Translation which is, ironically, where she is in her career right now.
I've already explained the practically non-existent plot. I will say the little social commentary that is in the film is arguably about how idiotic celebrities are. They rob Paris Hilton's house eight times simply because Paris always leaves a key under the mat even when she is gone. Other than that---Coppola is not so much making a point as she is forcing nonsensical ideas down the audience's throats.
The acting is decent considering that the characters are so unendurable and none of the actors except Watson are well known. However, judging by this film---none of the four no names are going to get more work anytime soon. Watson---as much as I love her---gives the worst performances in the film. She is generally a great actress with a stunning face. Here---she doesn't look good and she makes the character of Nicki into a complete monster. It's one of the first times ever I wanted to flat out tell a woman to shut up.
The script is lazy and keeps doing the same thing. We get it---these kids are morons---now move on. There is a hint of potential in the script but it is unhinged by all of its flaws and how redundant it is. I mean---even the actors look bored although they really don't have to do anything except talk weird and try on clothes.
The Bling Ring is completely pointless. It's not one of the worst films of the year as you do get to laugh at just how moronic these teens are at certain points. It is, however, a complete waste of time and money. If you are fascinated by the story and don't want to watch a news report on it---wait to watch this movie where it belongs---on basic cable at 2 AM.
(1 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for teen drug and alcohol use, and for language including brief sexual references)
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