Movie Review: The Bling Ring

The Bling Ring is a film based on the real-life events of 2008-2009 Hollywood Hills burglaries, done by a group of seemingly fame-obsessed, celebrity-worshipping, materialistic teenagers who stole more than $3 million worth of luxury items (dresses, shoes, watches, sunglasses, underwear, you name it) from homes of famous Hollywood celebrities: Paris Hilton, Audrina Patridge, Rachel Bilson, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox, Lindsay Lohan.

The actor's performance were acceptable but the script is poorly written as there's no character background, depth or development for any of the characters. None of the characters were likable as the portrayal of them in the film are shallow and superficial.Most of film's running time is spent on which house the group is interested to break into, there's no after thoughts or proper closure by the end of the film. We know nothing about the characters, except of what they did.

Throughout the film, these kids stupidly (or naively) believed that it's perfectly fine to steal from the rich, wear stolen goods in front of others (even in facebook) and boast about their break-ins so openly to their peers. Particularly, Nicki's (who portrays Alexis) statement, who blames her family background and other members of the Bling Ring for her involvement in the burglaries, is so pretentious that it's nearly unbearable to watch.

There's nothing glorifying about the crimes done by group, it's truly upsetting due to the fact that this frightening culture exists in our world right now.

Rating: 4.5/10

Details of the Bling Ring group are shown below:
(Taken from the site: http://www.policymic.com/articles/44817/the-bling-ring-movie-where-is-the-real-life-bling-ring-today)

Rachel Jungeon Lee (portrayed as Rebecca Ahn by Katie Lee)
The believed ringleader of the gang, served the longest sentence. Pleading no contest for robbing and receiving a sentence of 4 years in state prison. Lee served 2 out of 4 years, released on good behavior. When news outlets tried to interview her, she declined to comment.

Nick Prugo (portrayed as Marc Hall by Israel Broussard)
Pleaded no contest to two counts of residential break-ins of Lindsay Lohan and Audrina Patridge, sentenced to 365 days in jail this past April. However, he was released a few days later from his sentencing due to good behavior and work credit. He has declined numerous interviews, keeping quiet from the press.

Alexis Neiers (portrayed as Nicki Moore by Emma Watson)
Served 30 days out of a 180-day sentence after pleading no contest in 2010. Neiers is the most public, with her blog and Twitter account. She states that drugs, sexual abuse, and her parent’s divorce influenced her life choices. She is now married to Evan Haines and has a baby, Harper. She claims that the movie portrayal is inaccurate.

Courtney Ames (portrayed as Chloe Tayner by Claire Julien)
Received a sentence of 3 years probation and received 60 days of community service after pleading no contest for stealing. She received a light sentence due to Brett Goodkins, investigator in the case, not receiving clearance from his superiors. She attends Pierce College, trying to avoid the spotlight. She is receiving high marks in her classes.

Tess Taylor (portrayed as Sam Moore by Taissa Farmiga)
A suspected member of the Bling Ring, but never sentenced for being part of the group, as she was not found in any of the camera footage.