Street Kings

Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: April 11, 2008

7.1	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 107 Ratings

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jorgeFeb 8, 2009

This movie is okay not the best action movie, but still has some awesome scenes,and it keep's you wondering what will happen next.Acting was okay and the plot was okay it's not worth to go see it in the theater maybe just rent it for $2.

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JoyLoveApr 13, 2008

Initially, the story suggested an interesting plot which became somewhat difficult to follow, yet fell into the "star overcomes all" category. I actually dozed off several times and didn't miss a thing.

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JayH.Aug 14, 2008

Well made but not very convincing. The film's style is very routine and the movie didn't really have anything new to offer. The acting is good, as well as the editing.

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TyranianFeb 25, 2020

Fairly muddled film for all sorts of reasons, full of plotholes and mediocre writing.

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spadenxDec 5, 2011

I agree that its an underrated film but critics but its not that good. Solid acting and Reeves is a good lead for the film. However the script is really all over the place and it never really hits as it should have, In fact its actually a bitI agree that its an underrated film but critics but its not that good. Solid acting and Reeves is a good lead for the film. However the script is really all over the place and it never really hits as it should have, In fact its actually a bit confusing at times because you dont know where they are gonna go with it. Overall, It was a solid action flick but thats about it.… Expand

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darthstattoMar 14, 2013

A great cast wasted on a tired story and inevitable twist. The film starts out pretty well, but soon descends into cliche and formula. Still, worse ways to kill a couple of hours.

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DawdlingPoetNov 28, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a crime based drama film with a fair amount of action in it and it covers themes including undercover policing, racism and vigilantism. It is a gritty, urban film with an impressive cast (more on that later).

I felt unsure of what was happening at the very start - its quite dark, lighting wise and there's a definite air of mystery and tension via the relatively quiet, foreboding incidental music played in the background as the main character investigates the building he finds himself in. I found myself wondering what he was going to find next and where things may lead to. I felt the film was relatively suspenseful, with some particular moments taking me by surprise and I could imagine some people may find themselves feeling a bit jumpy on ocassion, due to the sudden increase in tension clearly shown between multiple characters and how plot developments escalate. It was one of those films in which the viewer feels unsure quite when things may blow up, metaphorically, but we feel sure that something big will happen, its just a case of when and how.

Cast wise, Keanu Reeves plays the main character, detective Tom Ludlow. I found it interesting to see him play in a non sci-fi or fantasy based film, having seen him mostly in such films over the last while, although its hardly entirely new ground he's breaking in being a steely, aggressive and rebellious type, somewhat like Neo in the Matrix films. Regardless, he gives a decent performance as a no-nonsense, headstrong cop. Equally, Forest Whitaker was on good form as Ludlow's boss, Captain Jack Wander - both being of a steely disposition. Surprisingly, Hugh Laurie appears, as Captain James Biggs, seeming remarkably reminiscent of his US TV show character Dr. House, in being thoughtful and quick-though-dry witted. Other cast members include Chris Evans (not the ginger haired one) as detective Paul Diskant and Naomie Harris as Linda Washington.

Its a sobering watch at times, seeing how various members of the LAPD 'lock horns' (for want of a better term) when trying to get to the truth about things. I imagine that the LAPD aren't, by any means, perfect and the film covers some tough themes but I thought it seemed relatively realistic and plausible, from what little I know. I found myself feeling sorry for Tom at times, although being unsure of his motives in some respect and wondering what was going to happen in regards to the internal investigation that takes place. Content wise, the film contains sex references and partial nudity, plus moderate violence including gunfire and with blood based injuries clearly shown, as well as fist fights and other forms of violence. There is a heavy use of strong language and multiple drug references, plus of course the film is quite dark, tense and looming in tone, so it could be somewhat frightening for young viewers, or in general. The film carries a 15 rating to reflect this.

The plot pace is fairly slow and plodding but the tense atmosphere makes it relatively intriguing and watchable regardless. There is definitely the feel of a cat and mouse film, with the twist being that its partly those within the police who may be against him. While it is a decent enough watch overall, I also felt it was somewhat unoriginal, being similar in tone to other related films. Its not especially memorable but its not really awful either.

Overall, yes I'd recommend it as I felt it did well at being quite tense and atmospheric, although it is rather bleak and dark in tone, so may be a bit depressing for some. It features a decent cast with decent performances and its relatively gritty and suspenseful throughout, so on that basis I'd recommend it.… Expand

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