STREET KINGS. Action drama about an honest cop uncovering widespread corruption. With Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie. Director: David Ayer (1:47). R: Violence, language.
I don't care if it's a good movie or not, after years of not seeing the delicious Keanu Reeves, it's just so good to gaze at that handsome face once again...
Here's an NY Daily News review -- after its clichéd first scene - a solo LAPD officer battling a well-armed gang of thugs - "Street Kings" becomes an enjoyably tough, blood-splattered action drama that revolves around the one good cop at its center.
That cop, Ludlow (Keanu Reeves), is a hero thanks to the shoot-'em-up that opens the movie, and his bravery has boosted his captain (Forest Whitaker) closer to chief. But a snaky internal affairs officer (Hugh Laurie) is sniffing around, sensing something's not right.
In fact, a lot isn't right, as Ludlow discovers when he hunts down the gunmen who killed his former partner, Washington (Terry Crews). But he's not just seeking revenge for a fallen comrade: Ludlow's a loose cannon who thought Washington was falsely accusing him of being on the take. Suspected of being involved in Washington's death, Ludlow tries to clear himself but finds new puzzles at every turn.
"Street Kings" comes from the mind of co-screenwriter James Ellroy, the crime novelist whose "L.A. Confidential" took an equally twisty look at brother cops fighting like Cain and Abel.
"Kings" isn't as great as that movie - few police procedurals are - but it has a similarly seething energy. The director, David Ayer, wrote "Training Day" - another atmospheric winner - and here he crafts several set pieces filled with a gripping sense of danger.
A lot of that danger comes courtesy of the sly supporting cast. "House" star Laurie fills even straightforward conversations with little insults, and Jay Mohr, John Corbett and Amaury Nolasco all give feisty turns as members of Ludlow's squad.
Whitaker uses his hulking mix of friendliness and intimidation to great effect, while Chris Evans, as an analyst hungry to get out from behind his desk, makes the most of his sidekick status. Naomie Harris and rapper The Game stand out in minor roles.
But it's Reeves who anchors the film, with the squinty assurance of an actor who's been around 20 years and has done his time, giving his Valley Boy delivery a raspy, exhausted quality. Reeves knows action thrillers and how to make that Zen vagueness of his serve the greater good. "Street Kings" is an arresting ride.
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