Manuel São Bento
Oct 26, 2023
5/10
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.firstshowing.net/2023/review-david-yates-pain-hustlers-lacks-a-more-careful-treatment/
"Pain Hustlers fulfills the basic requirement of explaining the harrowing true story effectively, but given its star leads and skillful director at the helm, it could have and probably should have been much better.
While Emily Blunt and Chris Evans deliver strong performances, director David Yates falters in his tonal balance, treating the deaths of many innocent victims with an uncomfortable lightness that may leave viewers, especially American's familiar with this story, feeling it's insensitive or irresponsible.
Thematically, the tragic consequences of obsessing over wealth leading to the detriment of other's lives are well-depicted, but the overall lack of originality and extended runtime make the whole thing a mixed experience."
Rating: C+