Whenever I see "based on a true story", especially if in any way related to the Hollywood social elite, I usually assume the only connection to the truth is a cheery wave as it passes by. If the events of The Bling Ring are indeed true then there are a number of people far stupider than I ever thought possible.
The Bling Ring sees hipster outsider Marc (Israel Broussard) attending a new school full of Hollywood dropouts. He is soon befriended by Rebecca (Katie Chang) who in a very short space of time convinces him to go to an absent friends house. While there they take a selection of items before cruising off in the victims parent's Porsche. When their obsession with celebrities brings the news that Paris Hilton is going to be out of town they work out where she lives and break into her house, again pilfering a selection of items. They share this news with a group of other social media addicted youngsters and so begins a crime spree across a number of celebrity properties.
This is a movie that tries very hard to convey the lifestyle of its main characters, often to the detriment of the audience. While much of the movie is done fairly low key (particularly during the theft scenes) it is punctuated with obnoxiously loud sections of the crew partying hard while taking photos of themselves basking in the loot, taking drugs and posting it all on facebook. They openly brag about their exploits to the seemingly uncaring adoration of anyone in earshot. It really makes you wonder why it takes so long for them to get caught.
As for the characters... well they are so obnoxious, objectionable and unlikeable that you spend most of the movie wishing they'd get caught. The sheer idiocy on display really beggars belief. On top of this the victims are celebrities who generally garner more fame with their off screen antics so you are really left with no one to sympathise with. Even the mostly absent parents are either indifferent or just as annoying as their over privileged offspring.
What we are left with is a movie that is more endurance test than entertainment. It does manage to hold your attention in the same manner as a car crash where the only thing keeping you going is the morbid fascination of wondering just how much these horrible people are going to get away with. On a side note I was particularly horrified by Emma Watson sporting an American accent in her supporting role. The final act also seems like it comes from a different movie leaving an already unpleasant experience disjointed as well.
Alternative Title - "We are in your houses stealing your thingz for the lulz. OMFG, lol!"
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