Pequenos Delitos

'SMALL CRIMES': Four Stars (Out of Five)

A dark crime-drama about a former corrupt cop, that's just out of prison for attempted murder (from 6 year earlier), who's desperately trying to leave his former life behind, but can't. The movie stars Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau, Molly Parker, Robert Forster, Jacki Weaver, Gary Cole, Macon Blair, Pat Healy and Michael Kinney. The film was directed by E.L. Katz (who also helmed 2013's outstanding 'CHEAP THRILLS'), and it was written by Katz and Blair (based on the novel, of the same name, by Dave Zeltserman). It was released by Netflix through their streaming site, and it's gotten mixed reviews from critics. I found it to be a pretty impressive, and highly interesting, dark crime movie.

Coaster-Waldau plays Joe Denton, a former corrupt cop that was recently released from prison. Denton did six years for attempting to murder a district attorney, named Phil Coakley (Kinney), under the mob's payroll. He attempts to reunite with his ex-wife, and their children, but learns that they've left town and never want to see him again. Denton instead moves in with his parents (Foster and Weaver), but they're suspicious that he's still a danger to himself, and everyone around him. At the same time he starts a relationship with a nurse (Parker), and he's harassed into committing yet another murder, by a corrupt police lieutenant, and his old partner (Cole).

The movie is really dark, and full of unlikable characters (with just a few exceptions). Coaster-Waldau is likable in the film, I think, but it's clear that he's done some really bad things in his past. I really wanted to root for him, and I did, but the movie is more of a tragedy than anything else actually. It's frustrating to see how some people just can't get things right, no matter how hard they try, and how positive their intentions are. That's the genius of this film, and it does a pretty good job of telling that story.

This film tells the story of a disgraced policeman, who served years in prison for killing another man while he was drunk. After his release from prison, he has to live under the ghost of his past.

I'm not sure why the film is called "Small Crime", as none of the crimes displayed are small. The way people treat each other in the film is horrendous, as they insult, physically and emotionally hurt each other all the time. It's full of negativity, and I don't like the film.

I enjoyed Small Crimes and would recommend it with two caveats. Based on the trailers for the film and even the beginning of the film, I expected there to be more dark humor (of the absurd variety). Like 'how can this guy have SO much bad luck'. It very quickly turns away from this direction. Also, there are a lot of players, and the film takes very little time to help the viewer understand each players roles. That being said, you definitely get the gist well enough, and it certainly keeps you intrigued enough to want to see the whole thing through.

Our Hero here isn't a hero but we still like him. a great performance from Nikloaj to bring a complex yet simplified character. However the movie is tonally inconsistent. just when you think we're going in fast pace and more entertaining way the movie pulls back. which is off putting. some character motivations aren't very clear.

This movie is smart, good looking, dark and very original.

The story is really good and interesting. I was wondering all the time what's going to happen. and the movie was able to still surprise me. If you like original and different movies you should watch this.

Don't believe the low rating. This is an excellent drama, well written, well acted, well directed.