Gangster Squad is a neo-noir action thriller film directed by Ruben Fleischer and written by Will Beall. The movie is based on Paul Lieberman's book titled "Tales from the Gangster Squad" and is set in Los Angeles in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The plot of the movie revolves around the struggle between the notorious mafia kingpin, Mickey Cohen (played by Sean Penn), and a team of police officers known as the "Gangster Squad." The squad is led by Sgt. John O’Mara (played by Josh Brolin) and includes Jerry Wooters (played by Ryan Gosling), Max Kennard (played by Robert Patrick), Coleman Harris (played by Anthony Mackie), Conway Keeler (played by Giovanni Ribisi), and Navidad Ramirez (played by Michael Peña).
The Gangster Squad is formed by the LAPD Chief, Bill Parker (played by Nick Nolte), to take down Mickey Cohen and his criminal empire by any means necessary. The squad members are all handpicked for their unique skills and are willing to do whatever it takes to bring down Cohen's organization, which includes targeting his illegal operations, cutting off his sources of income, and putting key players behind bars. Their mission becomes even more personal when Cohen takes a personal interest in O’Mara’s wife.
The movie features explosive action scenes, tense standoffs, and thrilling pursuits as the squad fights to dismantle the criminal empire of Mickey Cohen. Along the way, they also navigate complicated relationships and grapple with the moral implications of breaking the law to serve justice and protect their city.
Gangster Squad received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with praise for its stylish visual aesthetic and ensemble cast, but criticism for its lack of depth and historical accuracy.