Triple 9

I am at a split when it comes to 'Triple 9'. On one end, there were few moments where I did enjoy the film. The actors are powerhouses and did what they could with the material given to them. Some plot points were interesting to me and had my attention and lastly, I am sure there is a certain symbolism behind the constant use of the color red that is shown in a high majority of scenes. On the other end, however, there was way too much I did not enjoy. From start to finish, I hardly understood any of the characters connections to anyone. They are explained in as little detail as possible. It just was not my cup of tea as far as understanding who the characters were and what was their purpose. Kate Winslet was absolutely atrocious to me. From her seemingly forced role to her forgetful "Russian accent" as she seemed to forget she was Russian at times speaking perfect English and bouncing back to an "accent". The fan- favorite star power of Norman Reedus, Aaron Paul, Chiwetel Ejiofor and company was no where near enough to save this movie and draw enough of a crowd to make this movie even mistakenly good. Too many negatives and not enough positives. This movie is forgetful to me and nothing special. A few moments do not make up for a near two hours of confusion and plot holes.

A great cast and so-so writing leaves you wanting more at the end. But there are some thrilling scenes to keep you entertained.

Triple 9 is a worthy modern day crime drama with an always interesting premise of corrupt cops strong-armed by mobsters to do the unthinkable. Under John Hillcoat's direction, the film's backdrop is grim & punishing, in tune with its themes where morals are an afterthought & survival comes bleak. The resulting events & action are absolutely well shot, unexpectedly visually creative, brutal, and best of all, authentic as hell, accounting for the film's best & most heart-racing moments. The violence & brooding suspense is held together by a score (& well placed absence of it) that amps the danger as one that lurks around the corner till it explodes to guns blazing chaos.

As for our leads, the characters & the ensemble cast behind them are another bright spots of the film. Props to Chiwetel Ejiofor, who's anguished persona was the best he has ever been. Anthony Mackie & Clifton Collins Jr were standouts as well, with the former deftly portraying the street wise, money-grubbing not so finest, & the latter stealing scenes with his menacing dead eyes & boorish nature.

As for the film's weak points, though Kate Winslet conveys cold hearted bad assery, her Russian accent was flat out laughable, randomly vanishing & surfacing within the same spiel. The narrative is as well too convoluted for its own good, rendering the final acts as one gigantic head scratching plot hole.

Overall, while Triple 9's shortcomings hinder the film from being great, the perfectly executed action & the excellence of its ensemble ensures a solid watch.

This movie stand right in the middle between not Fantastic in the same time not bad

They could use these great group of actors in much better way

But after all you won't regret watching it

Worth a look if you like urban action. There's a lot of action. The good guys and bad guys are really blurred but that's a modern flick for you. The police gang unit team line up to go after a gang member in group housing, up stairs and into the apartment was legendary. Great camera work. You felt like you were lined up with them. Worth the price of admission. After viewing, very few audience members would want to A: Become a police officer in Atlanta, B: Be tasked with arresting a gang member who knows you're coming. Adrenaline time. That's the good, along with plenty of recognizable actors doing representative jobs with what they have to work with. Now for the Not as Good: The plot is there but it is ephemeral. You can kind of follow it but the exposition makes you strain for it. I'd like to say that's on purpose to add an element of mystery but I'm not real sure that's so. Not a thinking person's movie. I've seen worse plots but the bones don't hold up the body to make it recognizable enough, at least for me. By the end you can figure it all out but it isn't built up a block at a time. I enjoyed it and gave it a 7 but it's about a 7.5. Maybe a triple 7?