Movie Review: 'Brooklyn's Finest', examines four lives spinning out of control...

Antoine Fuqua is one of my favorite directors when it comes to presenting a compelling story with just the right amount of action sequences at the right time to solidify his stories. Among my favorites are “Shooter” (2007) starring Mark Wahlberg, “King Arthur” (2004) starring Clive Owen, “Tears of the Sun” (2003) starring Bruce Willis, and “Training Day” (2001) which he directed Denzel Washington to an Oscar® for Best Actor!

This story unfolds over the course of one week, as the events of a massive drug operation involving three New York City police officers and a drug king-pen, escalates to its final culmination. Each of the central characters lives is dramatically impacted as each has the idealistic outcome they would like to see happen. The effects as each of those involved struggle to keep events moving forward to each of their desired course, and the devastating effects as circumstances beyond their control slowly with deliberate certainty, come into play.

As the stage is set within the first twenty minutes and the principal characters lives are defined, we the viewer see the overall picture, as it became apparent that it can only end badly for all involved. Director Antoine Fuqua has firm control with excellent story-telling technique and his cast of veteran actors delivers individual portraits, clearly defining those finer aspects of each of their character’s personalities that compel us to watch until the final outcome!

Starring Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, Vincent D'Onofrio, Brian F. O'Byrne, Will Patton, Michael K. Williams, Lili Taylor, Shannon Kane, and Ellen Barkin.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua. Written by Michael C. Martin. Overture Films release. Rated R for bloody violence throughout, strong sexuality, nudity, drug content and pervasive language. Runtime: 140 minutes.