City of Lies
Saban Films | Release Date: March 19, 2021
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
13
Mixed:
5
Negative:
3
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
Sal3Apr 10, 2021
Amazing film ! Depp and Whitaker are great together ! Highly recommend this film .
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
TVJerryMar 25, 2021
Yet another corrupt cop drama. The one is based on the true story of a LA detective (Johnny Depp very underplayed) who tried to expose the truth behind the murder of The Notorious B.I.G.. The story is framed by extensive, dry discussionsYet another corrupt cop drama. The one is based on the true story of a LA detective (Johnny Depp very underplayed) who tried to expose the truth behind the murder of The Notorious B.I.G.. The story is framed by extensive, dry discussions with a reporter (Forest Whitaker playing the usual), who delves into the case 20 years later. Their review of the facts alternates between scenes from the original investigation with a uninspired style that lacks much punch. Even as it exposes the alleged corruption, director Brad Ferman never manages to bring any sense of outrage to the proceedings. NOTE: Violetta Wallace, the rapper’s mother, plays herself and does a commendable job.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
imthenoobOct 3, 2021
Depp, who gives a great performance here, and Whitaker carry a shockingly well-written and directed movie that offers a very credibly and realistic theory into the murder of B.I.G. I really didn't expect much going into this but itDepp, who gives a great performance here, and Whitaker carry a shockingly well-written and directed movie that offers a very credibly and realistic theory into the murder of B.I.G. I really didn't expect much going into this but it surprisingly kept my attention from start to finish. I definitely think this would have been a sleeper hit if it had been released in theaters.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
tropicAcesMar 19, 2021
Not as engaging or insightful as the Unsolved series, but still a decent little crime thriller. Worth checking out.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
bfoore90Jun 29, 2021
Based on the investigation on the murder of LEGENDARY rapper Notorious B.I.G, City of Lies goes over alot of stuff that we already know but this was a strong film that was, unfortunately lost due to the controversy surrounding Johnny Depp. InBased on the investigation on the murder of LEGENDARY rapper Notorious B.I.G, City of Lies goes over alot of stuff that we already know but this was a strong film that was, unfortunately lost due to the controversy surrounding Johnny Depp. In terms of answers, it points alot of fingers and connects alot of interesting dots. Nonetheless Its a solid film with good performances and solid direction. Who shot Biggie? The world may never know.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
jeffw38Jun 12, 2021
I do not understand the “less than” ratings here. This movie was a solid, re-watchable, 10. Depp and Whitaker are superb. Check out that supporting cast. Wow! Just wow!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Pech_SOGNov 15, 2021
Tour de force by Johnny Depp and Forest Whitaker. A compelling case and solution for one of the great modern true crime mysteries. A tribute to a great detective, Russell Poole.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
JLuis_001Aug 25, 2021
The title is notorious and more than adequate for a film that seems to be built on suspicions, assumptions and even to some extent, conspiracy theories.

It wouldn't be so much of a problem if it weren't for the fact that it talks about aThe title is notorious and more than adequate for a film that seems to be built on suspicions, assumptions and even to some extent, conspiracy theories.

It wouldn't be so much of a problem if it weren't for the fact that it talks about a real case. A notably high profile case.

In the end, it's certainly fiction, the credits themselves say so, but that doesn't prevent this from being quite irresponsible to a certain degree.

And it's not like City of Lies creates any kind of damaging speculation, but it also doesn't offer anything especially revealing or crucial about the case at hand. It's merely noise.

Johnny Depp and Forest Whitaker are effective leads, if you consider what this story has to offer, but neither of them is able to keep this ship afloat, as it is sinking through many different holes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
davemelbourne58Mar 21, 2021
Well made, well directed, & well acted detective procedurual where honest detective Johnny Depp's character is looking for some redemption as he fights the corruption in the LA. Police department. Depp's character, Russell Poole wants toWell made, well directed, & well acted detective procedurual where honest detective Johnny Depp's character is looking for some redemption as he fights the corruption in the LA. Police department. Depp's character, Russell Poole wants to know who was behind the murder of rapper Biggie Smalls. Unfortunately for Russell, the depth of corruption and lies is all too consuming. This movie was better than I expected.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
ChefCurry786Mar 20, 2021
Amazing movie with brilliant performances from both Depp and Whitaker. Cant wait to buy this movie and DVD, would definitely recommend it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
salmapeareMar 20, 2021
it was so good would highly recommend it bec it gives a moral lesson and a main emotional massage
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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1
SharpToolJul 12, 2022
The film is DEPRESSING. Depp is obsessed and looks so old. On top of all that the movie jumps around so much it is hard to follow. Not a difficult movie concept, but somebody must have thought jumping around back and forth would beThe film is DEPRESSING. Depp is obsessed and looks so old. On top of all that the movie jumps around so much it is hard to follow. Not a difficult movie concept, but somebody must have thought jumping around back and forth would be artistic. It was not.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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