Brooklyn's Finest

Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.

Today's review is Brooklyn's Finest. Directed by Antione Fuqua. Written by Michael C. Martin.

Walking into this one, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect from this movie. It had a good director behind the lens powered by a very strong cast combined with a rarely seen narrative structure. Boy was I WRONG!

Instead I was treated to one of the best pieces of storytelling this year. Let me repeat that. One of the BEST pieces of STORYTELLING this year.

Our story takes us into the lives of 3 very different police officer's in Brooklyn's 65th precinct. Leading off is Sal played by Ethan Hawke. A detective struggling to move his pregnant (expecting twins) wife and 5 kids out of their very small mold infested house. While dealing with the temptation of robbing the drug dealers he busts in order to make a down payment for a new house.

Second is Eddie played by Richard Gere. A 22 year patrolman. No commendations, no big arrests, no real career to speak of, which is exactly the way he wanted it. He's a week away from retirement and can't wait until the days count down.

Finally we have Clarence Butler AKA Tango played by Don Cheadle. An undercover detective tasked with taking down a pretty big neighborhood drug crew based in the projects. He's the 2nd in command behind Casanova Phillips played by a strong Wesley Snipes in his return to the big screen after his tax evasion boo boo.

The stories surrounding the 3 cops go much deeper than what you see on the surface and that's what makes this movie so impressive. It's hard enough to keep an audience's attention with just 1 plot but when you intro 3 into the mix you have a pretty interesting juggling act on your hands. A juggling act that Fuqua handles MASTERFULLY. He has returned to his roots of storytelling that made Training Day so good to watch. He lost that mojo with his follow ups Tears of The Sun and the GOD AWFUL King Arthur.

You get the right amount of balance between each character's lives that you don't fall out of touch with any particular one. More importantly each one of their scenes pack enough punch that you don't lose any interest. I found myself gripped by each character's struggles and anticipated with baited breath at what the conclusions would be.

It's at that point where the movie can feel a little jumbled. I won't reveal the ending but it's very overwhelming. So much so that it requires some time to take it all in and reflect. This doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. It's just a change of pace from what was otherwise a very well paced and balanced film.

I feel I should stop here and just get to my score and recommendation because you all should check this movie out.

On the 5 star scale. Brooklyn's Finest gets 4 stars. With a heavy "Worth Every Penny" recommendation. This movie falls in the popular category that I like to call "Deserves to be experienced rather than explained." Go see this movie. You all should enjoy it.

That's all for today. Up next is Green Zone and unless there's a filler flick to pace me. In 2 weeks CLASH OF THE TITANS WILL BE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WHOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"