The stage curtains open ...
Before the event of the Quentin Tarantino film, "Jackie Brown", this 1991 movie was Michael Keaton's bid to enter the action arena which was so prevalent at the time. It is also a film with warmth and heart. Though it feels disjointed in places, this is an entertaining entry into Keaton's silver screen work.
When Artie Lewis's (Keaton) partner is killed while on duty, he leaves behind three young girls and not much else. While facing death almost daily, resisting the temptation to be on the take, Artie and his wife decide to fight for the girls and give them a home. This is the story of how one good cop endures the daily struggle of trying to bring justice out on the streets and still make ends meet on the home front. Finally, he is faced with a life changing decision ... one that may force him to do something he doesn't want to so that he can do what is ultimately right.
This is very typical of an early 90's action film with a little over-the-top violence, but nothing too heavy. Keaton does a decent job on the believable scale turning in a good performance. As I mentioned before, there are parts that seem out of place, but overall, this was an entertaining movie. The pacing is decent with some lulls, but I felt those were necessary to the story. I enjoyed Rene Russo in this one as the loyal, yet frustrated wife. And the three girls were perfect for their roles.
I would recommend this one, but not highly. Not necessarily one I would watch a lot, but one I might pull out some time down the road and probably enjoy just as much. I think this would have to be a sentimental favorite - a movie that would take someone back to a good time in their life or to this era of film making, or for a big fan of Michael Keaton. A solid 7 out of 10 stars.
