: A group including a sharp-shooting cowboy and a street-smart officer, meant to represent a cross-section of mid-century archetypes.
The narrative centers on Sergeant John O'Mara (Josh Brolin), a veteran and honest cop who is authorized by Police Chief William Parker (Nick Nolte) to form a secret squad to dismantle Cohen’s criminal empire. The squad functions as a "fellowship" of specialists, including: Gangster Squad
: A cynical lounge lizard who finds personal motivation only after a tragic street shooting. : A group including a sharp-shooting cowboy and
: The technical expert and moral compass who bugs Cohen's home. : The technical expert and moral compass who
Critics often describe Gangster Squad as more of a "costume party" than a traditional film noir. While the film captures the glamorous, sleek aesthetic of post-war L.A. through impeccable costume design and vibrant cinematography, it often falls into the trap of overusing clichés.