STREET KINGS (2008)

Directed By: David Ayer
Written By: David Ayer, Kurt Wimmer & James Ellroy
Story By: James Ellroy
Cinematography By: Gabriel Beristain
Editor: Jeffrey Ford

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Terry Crews, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Jay Mohr, Chris Evans, Cedric The Entertainer, Naomie Harris, Game, Common, John Corbett, Clifton Powell, Amaury Nolasco.

An undercover cop, disillusioned by the recent murder of his wife, is implicated in the murder of an officer and must struggle to clear himself.

This movie can talk the talk, but it doesn’t necessarily walk the walk. This film is supposed to be a mystery somewhat even a conspiracy. Though everyone can see even the audience who is behind it. That is everyone except for our protagonist played by Keanu Reeves. Who is supposed to be a detective   

The main problem with this film is that you don’t feel it. You are never really fearful for the main character. Even though he is an anti-hero and not very likable. You know eventually, he is going to figure everything out and make things right. Even the story isn’t that complex or interesting to keep your interest.

I can see why Keanu Reeves took this role it’s a change of pace for him that demands more range than he usually shows. More dramatic character while still having the action he has been appearing In and gaining fame as. It’s an about-face from Neo of the Matrix trilogy allowing him a chance to play a more three-dimensional character and stretch his acting chops playing the morally conflicted Anti-hero.

This film Suffers a case of been there done that. This is another film directed by David Ayer, yet also written by David Ayer has mined this territory before as this film is an adaptation of the James Ellroy short story The Night Watchman. Ayer also wrote the screenplay of the Film Dark Blue (Which he didn’t direct) which was an Adaptation of another Ellroy story. Which might be why there seems to be so much familiarity in themes and story. The untrustworthy Mentor who holds all the power yet our protagonist is the right-hand man of them. Believing what he is doing is for the greater good and justice. The problem with most of these films is while they are ok on their own they remind you of the Excellent L.A. CONFIDENTIAL which these films pale in comparison of. It also shows you how hard it is to adapt Ellroy’s writing into a successful adaptation.

This film reminds me of a western. You have the cowboy who is a gunslinger that is supposed to be a man of the law. Who after his friend/ex-partner is killed (In a highly grotesque scene that goes over the top fast and ends up being unintentionally hilarious) goes on a personal manhunt not only to find his killers but the people responsible for ordering it. Then all of a sudden the film tries to become a mystery after being more of an action thriller for the first half.

The problem here is that we have seen this story before the redemption of a dirty cop. Who not only is a part of the corruption but at a certain point tries to take down the conspiracy after being awakened suddenly to its evil in Los Angeles. It's the same story different dressing like an episode of CSI. Slightly different situations and different actors, but if you have seen DARK BLUE, TRAINING DAY you have seen this film.

One death scene brings memories of ROBOCOP for the over-the-top nature of one cop's death that though it is brutal it becomes humorous. Other than that scene the action sequences are tight and it's nice to see Keanu Reeves play a total badass in reality for once.

Though the film tried to set itself up as a mystery and tries to leave us shocked by its ending it's not hard to figure out the big bad and the mystery you are just left wondering how long will it take Keanu's character to figure it out.

Even with the all-star cast dressing around it. It doesn't blind you to the film's weaknesses.

Forest Whitaker is having fun a the fast-talking police chief. He seems more like a politician than the head of the police force. Who practically has corruption oozing from his pores. Since he is constantly sweating.

I will say that David Ayer always brings an energy and machismo when it comes to his films that usually hit hard and have a feeling of authenticity that feels energized by the streets which keep the stories alive

I have sensed all involved can do better and just went for a fast buck instead of investing time, energy and talent into a worthwhile project. Making this film feel disposable instead of nourishing and worth-while.

I say wait for cable

GRADE: C