Tom is a veteran LAPD cop who has spent his life trying to do what is right, even if it meant doing it the wrong way. After the death of his wife Tom throws himself into his work, using his anger to take down the bad guys no matter what. When his ex-partner suddenly turns against him Tom is angry. But when his ex-partner is killed and Tom is implicated he knows something isn’t right. As he struggles to clear his name with help from Diskant, his boss, Wander, tries to keep him safe and protect Tom from Capt. Biggs, an Internal Affairs officer with a chip on his shoulder. But things go from bad to worse for Tom as the body count mounts and he begins to question who he can trust.
Keanu Reeves (Tom), Forest Whitaker (Capt. Wander), Hugh Laurie (Capt. Biggs), Chris Evans (Det Diskant), Jay Mohr (Sgt Clady).
This is pretty much your typical cop movie. Depressed cop, shootings, bad cops, killings, cover up’s, more killings, mistrust, killings, deceit, more shooting. The plot isn’t very original but, this is still a pretty good movie. Although a cop action flick, this one really focuses more on the drama with the violence used as punctuation and for plot progression. It kicks off pretty well and maintains a nice flow without giving up the mystery until just about the end. The message that it takes bad cops to get the job done right is very interesting.
Acting was enjoyable in this one with Whitaker putting on a wonderfully emotional performance. Laurie was impressive as a cop instead of a doctor, but can still play a wonderful arrogant jerk while eating gum like peanuts. Evans and Mohr filled their parts nicely as well. Reeves was a mixed bag, he did okay with the role but just didn’t bring the energy needed. He is just too stoic a lot of the time.
Special effects were reasonable and kept this one based in reality while still providing some good entertainment. They could have easily been overdone but weren’t. Dialogue, sound, and camera work were all nicely done and contributed to the quality of the film.
Although well worth seeing, save this one for the older teens as it has plenty of violence, language, and some explicit sexual reference but no nudity or sexual scenes.
Street Kings is no longer showing in any Littleton Colorado movie theatres.
Released: 2008
Reviewed: 11.27.12
Star rating: 4 out of 5
copyright ©2012 Dave Riedel
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