Brooklyn’s Finest

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening this Friday in theatres is a tough look at the still mean streets with director Antonie Fuqua and Overture Films with “Brooklyn’s Finest”.

This film tells the stories of several police officers of Brooklyn. First, is Eddie Dugan (Richard Gere) a cop who is seven days away from retirement. Having seen it all he has become somewhat jaded to the world around him.

Then there is Officer Tango (Don Cheadle), a cop gone so deep undercover in the drug world that he is screaming to get out. Trying to make Detective on the force he has to make one last deal with the FBI Agent Smith  (Ellen Barkin) to get nab drug dealer Caz (Wesley Snipes) who also happens to be his friend.

Finally, there is Sal (Ethan Hawke) a cop in the drug raid division that has seen it all. At home his family is suffering and the only way out is the one thing he doesn’t have – money.

As far apart as these three officers are, in a split second their lives will come together and never be the same.

FINAL WORD: Gere is a robot in his role as Eddie, but that is the intent. A cop who has seen and done too much to care much about anything. There is something to be said for his quiet performance.

Cheadle is amazing and if you can’t tell I’m a huge fan of his let me gush more about this actor. He has time and time again performed miracles with roles other actors might not be so quick to accept. Here he is caught between two worlds and the pain is evident which makes Cheadle the winner here for me.

Hawke was a little frightening actually in this role. His gaunt and crazed expressions make this character riveting to watch but his reactions aren’t unexpected for the viewer. Having done “Training Day” with this director the good news is that this actor has gone from one side of the coin to the other.

It is nice to see Wesley Snipes back after a six-year absence. He hasn’t been since on film since “Blade: Trinity” in 2004. This role was smooth enough to welcome him back into the fold.

Other cast include: Vincent D’Onofrio as Carlo, Brian F. O’Bryne as Rosario, Will Patton as Lt. Hobarts, Michael K. Williams as Red, Lili Taylor as Angela, Shannon Kane as Chantel, and Wass Stevens as Det. Leary.  

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Brooklyn’s Finest” three tubs of popcorn out of five. It is very slow to watch as the story unfolds and it takes patience to follow along. The ending of the film bring a bang closing but attentions spans might be hard pressed to even get there.

It does have lack in some places and the story tends to jump before the viewer has a chance to absorb what is going on. Basically this is going to be a love it or hate it type of film – period.

In the end – this is war, this is Brooklyn.