As Duas Faces da Lei

Righteous Kill is a kind of prototypical modern cop thriller that has the intonations of a neo-noir mixed in with some iconic figures. The script, in a way, is much better than I might have thought, and the actors- stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, in a film technically for the third time and for the first time technically in the frame for more than a few seconds (a pressure obviously from those who whined about their bit at the diner in Heat) as well as the likes of Brian Denehey and Carla Gugino- do their best to make it an entertaining ride. And for all of its recycled elements and plot turns and tough-guy take-no-s*** dialog, it's a fun ride for what it's worth as far as substance goes. You want to see what will happen with these two veteran cop characters as they delve deeper into this killer case (somewhat ripped off from Magnum Force, or something like that in terms of the victims), and what the "twist" will ultimately be.

For those who might think it tired or stiff, I wouldn't put any real blame on the stars, or even Gerwitz's (flawed) screenplay, which does occasionally pull off dark and funny banter and some coarse dialog and action and thrills to the degree that one saw in his Inside Man script. The problem mostly was the direction; Jon Avnet is not a visionary, nor is he a really well-suited neo-noir director. He's just a competent technician (if not veerying close to outright hack) enough to dig up a few potent bits or visual touches, and mostly tries to make the film "hip" and "fresh" and "inventive" with the approach to style in the flashbacks, and he doesn't possibly bypass the pitgalls in Gerwitz's script. What is pleasing, ultimately, about the picture is that it's not bad at all, and is actually a good movie. But with characters played by near generational icons dubbed in the film as "like Lennon and McCartney", this isn't quite up to their previous snuff together. They deserve just a little better with the likes of Godfather 2 and Heat to their previous collaborations.

If 2008 has given us, as the moving going public, any blunt conclusions it would be that Al Pacino should stay away from Jon Avnet. Chalked up to director Avnet's resume this cycle are two films ranging from mediocre to painful, and both starring Pacino, whose display of acting coincidently ranges from mediocre to painful. In April we were subjected to the long-shelved travesty which was 88 minutes, and now in the fall months, we see the pair unite again for the much buzzed Robert DeNiro/Pacino contemplation Righteous Kill. While significantly better then Avnet's earlier fare, the production is by no means seamless.

Scripted by Inside Man writer Russell Gewirtz, Righteous Kill is neither as smart nor as crisply formulated as that Spike Lee venture. A number of similar elements appear however, the most blatant being the opening act, video diary style confession which was utilized so well previously. In Inside Man, such an introduction had a purpose and a destination, which in turn progresses the narrative. Here, its only purpose is to throw the viewer off kilter, to smudge the holes in the script and the clichés surrounding the story and characters. The worst about such a choice is not that it does not work (which to reiterate, it does not) but that it is so obvious the mechanism's purpose is to lead the viewer astray, that there is no longer any surprise to where the story is headed.

Grizzled New York detectives Rooster (Pacino) and Turk (DeNiro) claim to have 120 years experience between them. Reaching the end of their respective careers, both have a deep passion for their work, and a strong comradely with their partner. While on the trail of a high level dope dealer known as Spider (Curtis (50 Cent) Jackson), they are thrust into a series of murders that have suspicious coincidences. All have been perpetrated against known scum, and all scenes are accompanied by a short poem. No it's not a Batman crossover featuring the Riddler, but a serial killer with a penchant for rhymes and a methodology that echoes like a cop. As the body's build, as does the evidence that the cop in question may be Turk, and soon fellow servicemen Det. Perez (John Leguizamo) Det. Riley (Donnie Wahlberg) and Turk's sexual deviant fling, Officer Corelli (Carla Gugino), join in the hunt for evidence.

There are strong segments displayed here, and earnest performances by the cast lead by Pacino and DeNiro who, collectively, are almost able to elevate the film from its cradle of mediocrity. Yet the aforementioned successful portions only create a harsh contrast against the doldrums that are the movies lulls. Righteous Kill is crisply shot and continually gritty but its glossy exterior is most unbefitting of a film of such calibre. When the final act comes, and all is revealed it seems egregiously forced, as so much time is spent pilling the blame on one, that when we are told the truth, the shift is jolting. So in an attempt to compensate we are dusted with a 30 second montage of flashbacks that do little to offer insight or believable motives for the actions of the guilty. Continually creating doubt in the viewer is the backbone of any successful thriller, and one that Righteous Kill is determined to ignore. Instead we are drilled with a monotonous and seemingly very self-determined direction for the bulk of the film, only to have our linen table cloth yanked from beneath our plates and replaced by a burlap sack.

Avnet does have skill, but he needs to have faith in his direction and depart from clichés and unnecessary diversions. As for Pacino and DeNiro, this film may serve as a career tipping point for these greats who have not graced the screen together since Michael Mann's epic, Heat. If Righteous Kill proves one thing, it is that casting legendary actors does not equate to an immediate success; they can push it an extra mile further then most, but there has to be gas in the tank to start.

View all my reviews at Simon Says Movie Reviews: www.simonsaysmovies.blogspot.com

One word, no, actually, two words to describe this film: TOTAL Disappointment (obviously for Robert Deniro and Al Pacino). If you're a fan of these two actors, and films like Heat, I recommend you NOT to see this film. And if you do, expect the worst (maybe that way you won't be that disappointed). The acting was sad but the worst part: the roles they play, they don't fit with their age. Tell me, how can a 68 year old or a 65 year old be a cop, lift weights, try to get in a fight with 30ish year old guys, jump a fence and not break both knees?? It doesn't fit, it doesn't look cool, it looks ridiculous and disappointing! I mean c'mon, learn from actors like Anthony Hopkins, he is 70 and still does films that kick ass like Fracture. He doesn't go running, fighting or anything like that, in the contrary, he does films that FIT HIS AGE! Anyways, this is just my opinion...

Righteous Kill is one of those films that a lot of people have just been looking forward too because it has two of the greatest actors of our generation, Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. I must add how I love in a lot of the TV ad's they're saying this is their first film together, true, it's the first time they are real co-stars together, but they've had two films already. Anyways, back onto the film, Robert and Al are both incredible actors, we know that, Robert is actually my favorite actor, so naturally I was looking forward to seeing this movie, I hate to say this, oh, man, I hate to say this, but this film was an utter disappointment. I'm not saying this was a bad movie, but this was a sad and very predictable thriller that could have been done with more average actors, Al and Robert are above this script and don't pull in their best performances due to that. The story is very mediocre compared to some of these terrific actors who looked so bored throughout the move.

Turk and Rooster are partners on the police force, having experienced over 30 years of constant bad guys going free, seeing the innocent's blood shed, and all the injustice in the world, they've almost lost it. Suddenly, there are murders involving the criminals they have arrested, along with younger officers, they try to figure out what is going on, but when one of the cops brings up that it might be a vigilante situation, Turk and Rooster are hesitant. Maybe they're hiding some secrets of their own.

Righteous Kill, don't get me wrong, it's worth the look, especially to see these cinematic legends on screen together, but like I said, for the script they were given, this was way too average and they are above it. I even hate to say it, this was very predictable if you've seen a lot of these thriller movies of today. Not to mention, I think Al Pacino, this must have been his third movie where he has worn that same leather jacket, I mean is it just me, or does anyone else notice this? Over all, it's not a bad movie, but it could have just been done with average actors, instead of all the hype that has been around it because of the actors. Just don't be fooled, it's a typical thriller, nothing special, I suggest waiting for the rental.

6/10

It is what you would expect from Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. They've been doing these kind of roles for the past 30 years of their acting life. Applause, but no surprise there.

The film itself was not a blast. Totally predictable plot, stereotype good cop bad cop, drug dealers, bad neighborhood were huge minus to this movie. Lack of character development made the film implausible and some parts inconvicible no matter how great the acting was. Finally, the director's abuse of dramatic music without much happening throughout the film slowly eats away your patience.

Six out of ten is what I will give, 3 from Al Pacino and 3 from Robert De Niro.