Plot: What’s it about?
One word comes to mind when writing this review, underrated. This movie did not receive half the publicity, attention, or credit it deserved. It was a great film and most peoples reaction when you mention the title is, “huh”? The film is about rookie deep cover cop Jeffery Cole played by Omar Epps (Higher Learning). Jeff is a native of Akron O.H and has now graduated police academy, working undercover in Cincinnati his first few busts go o.k and he quickly gets the attention of his captain Preston D’Ambrosia played by Stanley Tucci. So of course the rookie wants to move on to bigger and better things, and what are bigger and better things? Dwayne Gittens AKA “God” played by L.L Cool J. God, is a ruthless, cold-hearted, violent drug dealer and for all intended purposes, runs the drug and weapons scene in Cincinnati. So agent Cole under his deep cover identity as Jay Reid, sets out to gain the trust (and hopefully the drug connection) of God. Well, everything seems to be going well for Cole until a rookie mistake (disobeying a direct order) lands him in trouble with the captain and gets him thrown off the case. Preston hides Cole in a rural area of the state for a hiatus while protecting the officers cover. This is where Cole meets up with his on screen love interest Myra played by Nia Long.
Cole unexpectedly bumps into Dan Connelly the state attorney who just happens to be running the “God” case. Cole manages to persuade Mr. Connelly to put him back on the case and so continues our story. As usual I don’t like to give a lot away, especially since IM recommending this film so highly. But I can tell you that you will not be disappointed with this movie, its not cheap or generic and its not a New Jack City rip off. Its original, its interesting and it keeps you on your toes. Its one of those “what’s gonna happen now” movies. Michael Henry Brown and Paul Aaron wrote the film and Michael Rymer (a director that IM not too familiar with) directed it. I thought they all did wonderful jobs.
Now lets talk about the acting in the movie. Omar Epps is without a doubt one of the best young actors on the screen today and his performance in this film is nothing short of excellence. Most people don’t know his name yet (and I stress yet) but he will be one of the greats and IM sure an Oscar is not far from his career. L.L Cool J is another musician/actor that is too often glossed over, he was amazing in this film and his portrayal of drug lord “God” was the most believable ive seen in film in a long time! Don’t laugh this cast off, there’s a lot of underapreciated talent here. Pam Grier even makes an appearance as fellow undercover cop Angela Wilson. In closing ill just say that this film was well worth the $8 in the theater, and the $3.50 rental fee. I might even go out and buy this one to add to my personal collection (and we all know how prestigious that is). Great story, great directing, awesome acting.
Video: How does it look?
Original 2.35:1 widescreen just the way I like em’. The picture quality here is very good (as it usually is from Dimension home video). All the colors are true with no interruption, and everything from the dark night clubs and streets to the bright exterior shots are well seen. No complaints in this department from me.
Audio: How does it sound?
Dolby Digital in da house!!!!!…..sorry. But this is definitely one to pump up the volume on, from the gunshots, tire screeches, hip-hop soundtrack (which is a great soundtrack if your into rap) and just the intense dialog alone, this is some good listnin’! Surround sound speakers wont get too hard a work out but the sound is defiantly boomin here!
Supplements: What are the extras?
A theatrical trailer (and a good one). Some film recommendations and a bonus music video “keys to the range” by Jagged Edge. Not all that much as far as extras but when your getting a great movie that’s good looking and good sounding,I cant complain.
