HOTEL ARTEMIS (2018)

Written & Directed By: Drew Pearce
Cinematography By: Chung-Hoon Chung 
Editor: Gardner Gould & Paul Zucker 


Cast: Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, Sofia Boutella, Dave Bautista, Zachary Quinto, Brian Tyree Henry, Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Jeff Goldblum, Kenneth Choi 


A woman known as The Nurse runs a high-security, members-only hospital for high-rolling criminals in Los Angeles. When a bank robber brings his injured teammates along with $18 million in jewels there, both mob boss Wolf King and the police follow. With the hospital under siege, The Nurse, her orderly and her other criminal patients have to defend themselves.


You get exactly what you expect in this film a futuristic stylish thriller that nods to old school fashion, demeanor and etiquette amongst criminals. That tries to set itself apart in that way. Think of the hotel that is an assassin sanctuary in the JOHN WICK movies.

Though a thriller the audience never takes anything too seriously. The film is not exactly pulp as it is too clean and orderly though revolves around criminals who all have a secret and are highly dangerous and getting medical attention.

Jeff Goldblum has more of a cameo but with a role that is pivotal and that you wish he was in more of the film.

It’s Strange these days to see dramatic heavyweights and celebrated stars take more character driven b-movie roles. Usually the lead and and at least guarantees it will be done with relish. As it always seems like stunt casting and leaving the actor almost unrecognizable at first. That is what is done with Jodie Foster here. In her first acting role in five years.

Zachary Quinto is a bit over the top and really encompasses his character and role as an entitled mobsters son trying to impress his father and is a slave to his angry impulses.

Sterling K. Brown proves once again to be a solid leading man. As a professional criminal who can’t seem to get out of the game, but always has a back up plan.

Jenny Slate’s role is kind of needed to kind of push things forward towards action and show a softness to another. She isn’t given much to do. Not does her character make much sense. Even as her performance is fine, but her part of the story feels weak.

The film offers the requisite twists and not so many turns. As each character has their own mission and where you can kind of see coming. To the point where everything feels a bit too comic book like here. Colorful, full of action and greatly depicted art direction, but a story that feel standard. It tries to feel inspired but not very much in the long run.

It feels stronger like a 70’s B-movie where everyone is recognizable and too good to be in this movie. No matter how much polish you put on it and there is a lot applied.

Where it’s good but also feels like a kind of hipster refashioning and coming up with a movie and the only thing different then they others is the style and fashion to feel unique. Yet still the same even with technological advancements. It surprisingly takes awhile or At least takes it’s time with action sequences and doesn’t overload the film with them. So that you can understand the constructs of them.

The film is over before you know it. As it moves fast but let’s it’s presence be felt.

It’s a perfectly fine popcorn blockbuster entertainment, pretty disposable. It comes across as a film that seems more interested in style and attitude, then it's story or characters. As it gives them interesting traits, attitude and makes them Seem cool. Even as each seems to be holding a secret close to their chests. But they are also pretty one note and seem like they could be in An extended universe yet connected to the movie JOHN WICK 2.

So much so that it more feels like a graphic novel come to life. As it is a fun film that strangely goes more for downtrodden.

Two survivors basically orphans of a sort. Bow that all they love are now gone. Nothing to hold them back, freeing themselves from the shackles, for one. But the other an ex addict needs they crutch to feel whole. Goes off into the night to find people and problems to fix to feel whole. It gives her purpose and a welcome distraction.

As seen on the official trailer, Hotel Artemis 10 rules are: 1. While on the premises, no fighting with or killing other patients. 2. No disrespectful words or actions allowed against Hotel Artemis staff. 3. No guns or any type of weapon permitted through the gates. 4. Membership must be paid for, full and in advance. 5. Prior but lapsed members will not be admitted 6. No photography or video allowed. 7. No outside food or drink. 8. Absolutely no visitors. 9. If member is found to have compromised, or led to compromise of location, membership will be revoked. 10. Hotel Artemis rules are final and non-negotiable.


GRADE: C+