The article reviews a crime thriller set in Los Angeles, featuring Chris Hemsworth and drawing from the works of Don Winslow. The author expresses disappointment over the film's inability to fully utilize its talented cast, including Jennifer Jason Leigh and Nick Nolte, who have only brief appearances. This highlights a significant flaw in the film's execution, raising questions about how such a project could not maximize the potential of its actors.

Moreover, the author's personal inclination towards crime thrillers set in Los Angeles adds a layer of expectation for the film, making its shortcomings more pronounced. The connection to Winslow's bestsellers is a notable selling point, indicating a potentially rich narrative that ultimately falls flat due to the film's direction. This not only reflects on the filmmaking process but also on how adaptations can lead to great performances being overshadowed by poor storytelling decisions.

In conclusion, the article suggests that while the film may have started with a strong premise thanks to its source material, poor character utilization and uneven storytelling have hindered its overall impact. The critique positions the film as a missed opportunity to showcase the talents of its ensemble cast, leading to a discussion about the importance of fully realizing characters in crime thrillers.