Street Kings Movie Review
Keanu Reeves fails to excite in police corruption thriller
Street Kings is a bland and generic James Elroy written crime thriller, which is directed by L.A. corrupt cop maestro David Ayers and stars a miscast Keanu Reeves
Street Kings stars an out of place Keanu Reeves as hard boiled Detective Tom Ludlow, an alcoholic, widower, and glorified hitman with a badge who takes on L.A.’s worst under the direct orders of his powerfully influential Special Vice Squad Captain Jack Wander (an over the top Forrest Whitaker). When Ludlow’s former partner is murdered, Ludlow takes it upon himself to find the killers whilst seeking redemption in the gritty streets of Los Angeles.
Based on a screen story created by James Elroy
Street Kings was conceived and co-written by acclaimed crime author James Elroy, whose works such as L.A. Confidential , The Black Dahlia, and Dark Blue have been adapted to the big screen to various degrees of success. Other co-writers include Kurt Wimmer (who wrote the sci-fi cult film Equilibrium) and Jamie Moss.
Keanu Reeves delivers a flat performance
Hollywood superstar Keanu Reeves is sadly miscast and the film suffers as a result. Reeves is unable to convey an intimidating and harsh presence which his character so desperately needs to make Street Kings work on any level, whether it be a cop drama, story of redemption, or an action thriller. It is frustrating since Reeves usually delivers solid work, and while his intent at branching out into different territories is to be applauded, he is out of his depth in this film.
Supporting players Forrest Whitaker and Hugh Laurie the only highlights
Surrounding Reeves is a talented cast who provide mixed performances. Chris Evans delivers a bland turn and fails to develop a rapport with Reeves, Jon Colbert and Jay Mohr are wasted in minor roles, whilst Cedric the Entertainer goes against the grain and provides a surprisingly well tuned performance. Forrest Whitaker and Hugh Laurie provide much needed fireworks as feuding police captains, Whitaker in particular going all out with a deliriously hammy acting exhibition.
Director David Ayers delivers a dull and clichéd cop thriller
Having written quintessential L.A. cop thriller Training Day as well as direct the Christian Bale led Harsh Times, one would think that director David Ayers would have thrived with a James Elroy written screenplay. Instead, what is presented is a re-hash of tired cop clichés, combined with formulaic filmmaking, and a number of insipidly shot and choreographed action scenes which fail to excite. More convenient casting choices and much more innovation was needed to make Street Kings the emotionally heavy and action packed cop film it so desperately wanted to be.
