I have never been to a novelty hotel. I don’t think I have ever seen one in real life. It seems like they only exist in movies or old wedding photos of people in Las Vegas. I feel like a certain bit of Americana is either dead or I have consistently missed out. Somewhere in my mind, I think that Hollywood implanted the idea that only degenerates, low lifes, and drug addicts spend time in these special places. Those categories also encompass politicians, clergy, and celebrities. These posh hotels feature awesome sex, deep conversations, shootings, maybe even serial killers. For most people, anything but a good time is happening in these hotels. So, Bad Times at the El Royale is more than self-explanatory, it is the same thing all Hollywood novelty hotels stand for. The bad times are exactly why you came. Stay at your own risk.

This film is a bit of period piece. Somewhere between the end of Vietnam, the height of Cult fever, and the end of Nixon’s presidency. Much like in real life, pop-culture is playing in the background, becoming a part of history, while people continue to live their lives. Some are affected, others are not. What the film does well is making use of every current event the camera pans by or the characters ears pick up. The foreshadowing is heavy handed in this film, but not for nothing. The film bobs and weaves through intersecting vignettes, room by room, carefully directing the plot forward. Director Drew Goddard puts in motion a overlapping scenes from different perspectives that screams Quentin Tarantino or the Coen brothers. There are moments where you could swear it was one of their films. Goddard does have his own style, he does a great job in tight spaces and with tight stories like in 10 Cloverfield Lane or The Martian, but here he gets to open up a bit and let the camera breath. Every moment is used to further unravel the plot, which is a bit simple and you can easily find yourself ahead of it, but it never feels dull because the cast and crew bang out excellent performances. You will also be privy to some great visual compositions, like on the walls of the rooms, the lobby of the hotel, and in the world of the El Royal.

The entire cast really helps tie the story together, but the standout was Cynthia Erivo as Darlene Sweet. She has an incredible presence and an amazing voice and benefits from having the best response to every situation she’s in. A great, strong female character we need more of. Jon Hamm pulls out his famous Don Draper act, only more smarmy and conceited, but for good reason. Jeff Bridges is always great and it’s hard to imagine him not at the top of his game, and this role is no exception. If anything, you get a little sad that he is getting older. Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman, Dakota Johnson, and Nick Offerman round out the cast, Pullman and Spaeny really pulling their weight in gold. The two have a special way of looking right at the camera and drawing you into their world.  Finally, the most surprising performance of the film is from Chris Hemsworth. Not because he was especially good or bad (he was great), but because of this crazy affectation he put on that I can get out of my head. He has the same accent and attitude as, believe it or not, Garfield. The cat. Bane of Jon’s existence. It was seriously a thought I couldn’t shake. Imagine a super hot Bill Murray swaggering around using his Garfield voice, and that is Hemsworth in this film.

I was thoroughly entertained watching the debauchery and violence of the El Royal, but I am not sure the film will be a repeat watcher. I didn’t leave dying to tell anybody about it or even really wanting to discuss it, outside of Cynthia Erivo’s performance. On the other hand, I have often found that this exact feeling leads me back to similar films, again and again, just for a single performance by a well liked character. For now though, I would have to say this one is good for a single viewing. It’s not especially deep in all places, but it does have some great character defining reveals.The vignette-style, interwoven perspective presentation isn’t masterfully utilized, but it isn’t a novice act either. Bad Times at the El Royale is good times for you, but the novelty may wear off shortly after checkout time.

~* 8/10 *~