Netflix adds 'genius' period drama with huge Hollywood stars 'Simply outstanding'

Streaming giant Netflix have just added a star-studded 1930s period drama starring Hollywood heavyweights Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and John David Washington. Other huge stars include Zoe Saldana, Rami Malek, Anya Taylor-Joy and Robert De Niro. As if that wasn't enough, the movie also boast some seriously impressive cameos from Austin Powers’ star Mike Myers, comedian Chris Rock, and newly engaged pop icon Taylor Swift. Amsterdam was directed by David O. Russell, who won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay for Silver Linings Playbook in 2012 and Best Original Screenplay for American Hustle in 2013.

Set in New York in 1933, it follows three friends who witness a shocking murder and find themselves suspected of the crime. Desperate to clear their name, they find themselves heading down a dark path that leads all the way to the White House, where they are caught up in a sinister plot to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Although the film only has a 31% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and was a box office flop, it proved popular with audiences who praised the cast in reviews on Google with 65% saying they enjoyed it.

"Loved it! Music throughout, and Christian Bale leads a very talented cast with strong performances. Great sound, set, and costume design immerses you in the period piece perfectly, although there are a few times creative liberty takes over the need to be historically accurate. This didn’t bother me at all, it’s world-building and I’m here for it. The peculiarities of the main trio are endearing, the relationships authentic, and the action is sparse and poignant," one gushed.

"There is so much to say about this movie. Every time I see Margot Robbie in a role, I am even more impressed with her than I already was. She brings such subtlety, intelligence, humanity, and offbeat brilliance to her characters... Christian Bale is simply an outstanding actor. He chooses richly diverse, difficult opportunities to demonstrate the depth and breadth of his great talent and dedication to his art," a second raved.

A third had nothing but high praise, writing: "I absolutely loved this movie, the plot, characters, nostalgia, just everything about it! ...It was a genius to use Bale and Washington to play off each other; you have a well-to-do character with an aloof want to do well character. Then Robbie's wild ambitious character really sold me. I loved how the cast played off each other. Definitely award-worthy, something I'll watch again, especially having De Niro bring the story home. Great watch."

"I thought this was an excellent movie. It was very enjoyable to watch and had a very poignant message without being preachy or boring. From what I can gather, we are supposed to hate this movie because it was done by David O Russell. My other thought is that people who don’t get it are the same people who don’t understand other classics like Catcher in the Rye. I thought it was extremely well put together with great acting, great camera work, seamless film scoring," fourth opined.

"Really not sure why this film has such a bad rating, although one negative review claimed the film was 'full of actors,' so I guess that partly explains why. I really enjoyed this film, especially because of Margo Robbie, and while it has some weak parts was overall colorful, fun, witty, and thoughtful. The sets and cinematography are really excellent, costuming detailed and original, and the story is engaging and entertaining," a fifth shared.

However not everyone was a fan, with one person exclaiming: "At times both interesting and annoying, poignant and cloyingly hackneyed, Amsterdam is ultimately a hodge-podge of a film, undermined by lack of direction, vision and clarity. It suffers most through the warring factions of artistry and sentiment, and can't seem to decide on the best vehicle for expression!"

Amsterdam is streaming on Netflix now.