Director: David Ayer
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime/ Action
Runtime: 85
minutes
Year:
2008
Starring: Keanu
Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Common, Amaury Nolasco,
Naomie Harris, Terry Crews, Cedric the Entertainer, Jay Mohr, John Corbett
Description: An undercover
cop (Keanu Reeves), disillusioned by the death of his wife, is implicated in
the murder of an officer (Terry Crews) and must struggle to clear himself.
Review: Detective Tom Ludlow has a bad reputation when it comes to doing police
work by the book. Ludlow’s motto is: shoot first, ask questions later. Even in
his latest case, in which he managed to save two girls, the suspects don’t live
to tell the tale. Fortunately, Ludlow can count on the protection of his superior,
Captain Jack Wander. But then it turns out that Ludlow’s former partner,
Detective Terrence Washington, is planning to rat him out. That could cost Ludlow
his job. And so he takes matters into his own hands an decides to teach
Washington a lesson. The Washington gets involved in a brutal crime and the
trouble truly begins. Captain James Biggs smells trouble and starts investigating
Ludlow.
Two things really spoke to
me: the script was co-written bij James Ellroy, whom we now as the writer of “L.A.
Confidential”. Second, the great cast, including solid actors such as Forest
Whitaker, Keanu Reeves, Hugh Laurie and Chris Evans.
The tension and intrigue
builds nicely as Ludlow gets further and further into trouble, with some really
strong action scenes. The film has a twist, but it’s not very surprising or original.
And because some characters we don’t really get to know very well, their
personality changes seem a bit implausible.
The acting, however, is very
solid. Whitaker in particular. The visual aspect of the film is also strong, a
good visualization of South Central L.A.
“Street Kings” is a solid
police thriller, that sadly had to suffer the obligatory plot twist. But
overall, it’s a good film that never loses your attention.
Rating: 3,5/
5
