Rules Don't Apply (2016)

“Rules Don’t Apply” stars Warren Beatty, Alden Ehrenreich, Lily Collins, Matthew Broderick, and Annette Bening.  Released on November 23, 2016, the film is about a driver who forms a relationship with a young actress in 1958 Hollywood.

The film is directed by Warren Beatty, who also directed Heaven Can Wait, Reds, Dick Tracy, and Bulworth.  Not only did Beatty direct and star in the film, he also produced and wrote it as well.  Before this film, I haven’t seen any of Beatty’s works, but from the looks of it, he does seem to have the right amount of talent to make some pretty interesting films.  With a huge cast and its 1950s Hollywood setting by his side, does it mark a solid comeback for the 79-year-old actor/director/producer/screenwriter?

Pros:
Solid performances from the cast.

Warren Beatty as Howard Hughes.

Good uses of comedy.

Its 1950s Hollywood setting was somewhat impressive.

Cons:
The story was a bit predictable and had a few romantic comedy cliches, but its execution was passable.

Some of the transitions were improperly placed.

A couple of slow parts.

Final thoughts: “Rules Don’t Apply” does seem to follow the rules of being a regular romantic comedy, but Warren Beatty’s sense of charm and talent that is portrayed on screen is something that’s worth applying.  That sounded better in my head.  I didn’t see anything special about this film due to its romantic comedy cliches and some rushed transitions, but watching it made me feel interested in seeing some of Beatty’s other works sometime in the future.  If you’re familiar with Beatty’s films, then it’s worth a watch for his portrayal as Howard Hughes.

C+