Street Kings

Relentless action, positive tough guys, and negative friends with a facade, that's always been my thing and will continue to be. Whether Keanu reminisces about past trauma with a suffering expression, furrows his brow while pondering the increasing number of corpses, or simply puts on a face that says "touch me and you won't have a hand", pulls out a gun and goes after everyone he doesn't like, I can't help but be amazed and humbled by the fact that this fast-paced and yet highly convoluted bloody corrupt affair can't be stopped. 90% (07/20/2008)

David Ayer understood that as a screenwriter he had already exhausted himself with Training Day, so it was providence that advised him to shake hands with the neo-noir classic James Ellroy. The result is not particularly stunning, the traditional plot about the improved cop/asshole doesn't provide anything new and the director also doesn't do anything special in terms of the formal aspects. Yet the atmosphere of L.A.'s suburbs is literally dripping and the vivacity with which Keanu Reeves runs through the film is incredible. The clenched, pissed-off expression of the stubborn bulldog fits him perfectly and the viewer makes uncompromising cuts into the arm with him, of which there are many. This is Ayer's best film, but I’m not buying the negros, corrupt cops, and dark tough guys for the fourth time. (05/08/2008)

And exhausted and stale story about a tough guy who eventually mans up and takes everything bravely into his own hands because he finally realizes he's doing the right thing. It's definitely cheesy, but the director knows it and we know that the director knows it. The action is quite tough – at least that. Keanu Reeves is surprisingly solid as a “punk” with a black car and Forest Whitaker is amazing. The buried bodies and the shots to the face are pleasant bonuses as well. The ending is clear after thirty minutes. (09/26/2008)

A story of necessary evil. Following Harsh Times, David Ayer has succeeded with another probe into the underworld of Los Angeles. Ludlow is a great dirty hero who reels out one off the cuff wisecrack after another, and Keanu Reeves is right at home in this strange cowboy’s boots. Forest Whitaker is clearly enjoying his character, and Hugh Laurie has easily shaken off his House image. In terms of the overall plot, it can jump from predictable situations to unexpected and downright surprising endings (e.g. shovel in the head). I admit to a little hesitation in my rating because it wasn't clear-cut. At first I considered giving it 4.5 stars, but this kind of movie is just my cup of tea, and in this genre, Street Kings is the best thing I’ve recently beheld. (06/10/2008)

I have a terrible weakness for films of this type. Watching a tough cop who cuts everyone down on sight and only needs to utter a few dry lines is always a treat, especially when that cop is the likeable Keanu Reeves, who doesn't take any shit or time off in his quest for the truth. David Ayer quickly won me over with his style, I liked both the well shot action sequences and, in particular, the portrayal of a corrupt police world where no one can be safe and the best solution is usually a bullet in the head. It may be a fairytale that has been rehashed over and over, but in tandem with an excellent cast and a straightforward story, no new retelling can ever offend. (10/17/2012)