Street Kings

Initially a hopefully gritty crime drama, which unfortunately slides towards the end into a boring story on a theme we've seen too many times before. And done better. The ending was strangely clamorous, but without emotion, although it probably should have been there, originally. The action scenes were good though, the best being the second shootout in the apartment. Hugh Laurie unfortunately got very little space. (07/07/2013)

Relentless action, positive tough guys, and negative friends with a facade, that's always been my thing and will continue to be. Whether Keanu reminisces about past trauma with a suffering expression, furrows his brow while pondering the increasing number of corpses, or simply puts on a face that says "touch me and you won't have a hand", pulls out a gun and goes after everyone he doesn't like, I can't help but be amazed and humbled by the fact that this fast-paced and yet highly convoluted bloody corrupt affair can't be stopped. 90% (21/07/2008)

And exhausted and stale story about a tough guy who eventually mans up and takes everything bravely into his own hands because he finally realizes he's doing the right thing. It's definitely cheesy, but the director knows it and we know that the director knows it. The action is quite tough – at least that. Keanu Reeves is surprisingly solid as a “punk” with a black car and Forest Whitaker is amazing. The buried bodies and the shots to the face are pleasant bonuses as well. The ending is clear after thirty minutes. (27/09/2008)

I actually don't have any major problem with this film. Attentively respected genre conventions, a more than solid Keanu Reeves, and occasionally some hint of that unpredictability. Yet the whole thing really works well, the craftsmanship is of high quality, and how I wasn’t overly irritated by how politically correct it is with regard to the American’s own police. It's just an above average genre film that has no ambition to become a cult, which is what makes it so noble. A chill-out film with a decent level of quality. :) (21/08/2012)

I have a terrible weakness for films of this type. Watching a tough cop who cuts everyone down on sight and only needs to utter a few dry lines is always a treat, especially when that cop is the likeable Keanu Reeves, who doesn't take any shit or time off in his quest for the truth. David Ayer quickly won me over with his style, I liked both the well shot action sequences and, in particular, the portrayal of a corrupt police world where no one can be safe and the best solution is usually a bullet in the head. It may be a fairytale that has been rehashed over and over, but in tandem with an excellent cast and a straightforward story, no new retelling can ever offend. (18/10/2012)