Bearing a unique and hip tone, a quick pace, and a story surrounding real life pop-culture, Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring scores high marks for style and personality. Thanks in large part to a purely flawless performance by Emma Watson, the film soars beyond expectations, giving fans exactly what they crave: fashion, celebrity, and money.
Based upon true events, The Bling Ring tells the story of a group of teenagers who are obsessed with the lives of the rich and famous; so much so that they track their idols online, using their worldly travels to break in and steal their high end possessions. But all fun must come to an end, and the blistering brakes felt by the Bling Ring offer up a cold (yet real) look at just how obsessive our society has become.
Though occasionally preachy and a bit too perfect for its own good, Coppola is able to cleverly walk the fine line between being overbearingly righteous and downright ridiculous. The middle ground helps shine a light on the naiveté of youth today, wittily poking fun at the mistakes that many of us must go through in order to grow up.
I was most disappointed with the parenting (or lack thereof) that is depicted in the film. When the group isn't out enjoying the crime life they are bustling between parties, smoking weed and drinking at some of the city's most luxurious nightclubs. The lack of supervision is likely downplayed for the benefit of the story; however, when the eventual happens you can't help but feel that the parents to these adolescents deserved it (if not more than the kids themselves). Their soulless portrays deter from the authenticity and the grit, ultimately leaving me feeling a bit empty as the kids began to suffer the consequences of their actions.
I fortunately was not entirely up to speed on the true events that helped create this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, and that likely worked in my favor. That being said, I don't know much more concerning the group of kids that stole from celebrities. Thefilm, while visually captivating, never goes below the surface. As a male, I'm completely fine with that. But to others, I'm sure this is going to be a problem.
