by Luke Rajczuk
Crooked cops and the criminal underworld of Atlanta feature the new crime thriller film Triple 9 from director John Hillcoat (The Road, Lawless). Although the plot of the film isn’t of the most inspiring sort, some of the scenes are well built. Well, this is if one likes the ‘art of violence’ aka artistically shot brutality or heavily tattooed Mexican gangsters. The production concocts lots of action and gunshot infused scenes, putting the actual story of the film to a mere background of importance. It’s not exactly a typical blockbuster, gangster movie of an easy to sell and understand status as it makes its way to more independent cinemas. This is certainly not because it’s well made but predominantly due to its highly regarded cast.
It’s about a group of hungry-for-quick-money, corrupt policemen and ex-soldiers working on a heist job for a Russian-Jewish mobster Irina Vlaslov played by Kate Winslet (Titanic, Finding Neverland). The acting skills used for this film were nowhere near her true talent. The shady troopers get worked out by a duo of ‘the good cops’ Chris Allen (Casey Affleck) and Sergeant Detective Jeffrey Allen (Woody Harrelson). Some good and concise acting performance from Affleck but unfortunately Woody was too much of a Harrelson this time. Much less inspiring acting composure than in his previous detective role in Rampart.
Clifton Collins Jr. as homicide detective Jorge Rodriguez goes as bad and dishonest as it gets and acts it in a very stylish, believable manner. 12 Years A Slave Chiwetel Ejiofor is in the film too but unfortunately not as convincing.
[imdb id=”tt1712261″]
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