Honestly? I am having a tough time putting any movie above Bullet Train from 2022 but my goodness if Amsterdam doesn’t hit different and in an unforgettable way. Star-studded casting draws you in but the acting, storyline and plot twists are mind-blowing.

You have to see ‘Amsterdam’ now and later

Without giving away any spoilers - this flick directly has connections to modern day times even with an inspired true story dating back decades and decades. 20th Century Studios has put out a film you initially feel like supporting because of the cast but once it really starts to unravel and points are made - minds will be blown.

From having the opportunity to see the flick ahead of its release, I still to this day wonder who killed the performance more - John David Washington, Christian Bale or Margot Robbie. Maybe even Robert De Niro?

I contemplated what type of review and co-sign to provide for this must-see movie but I feel at this point you either have genuine interest to see Amsterdam or feel like it’s something you just don’t want to make the time for - so a few words in support of the movie might slightly move the needle.

Must.

See.

I have mentioned in the past how the urge to keep up with Marvel Studios flicks has drained me. From having to start on the big screen, continue on the Disney Plus app and then everything in-between, it feels more like going to law school with a dab of medical school to be quite honest.

Seeing Amsterdam reminded me of the beauty of filmmaking. Solid storylines with heart-pounding performances and storylines embedded deep beyond just the cast names made me realize something major.

I do not have to or need to see every movie which comes out.

I pride myself in being a super movie head. From wack to brilliant, I love to consume it all and reach my own conclusions. But just like my days at Capitol Records, you just can’t accept every single demo from every single person in the world - there has to be a little bit of quality control and a standard.

Amsterdam created or better yet pushed me in the direction I was already heading to have a standard for movie-going. There will always be a few exceptions but for the time and effort of reviewing and seeing a new film - especially heading out to the theaters for the big screen or even making time to watch at-home - the standard must be there.

Well-done Amsterdam and filmmaker David O. Russell. Beyond loved viewing this film and I can exhale for the first time in what feels like a handful of years allowing my time and interest have a boundary for what my mind, body and soul views for both reviews and personal pleasures.