Majikat
A film that starts out pretty good, but slows somewhat towards the end.
a_chinn
Solid Bruce Willis action film has Bruce as a limping over-the-hill detective who finds himself asked to do a favor transporting a prisoner just sixteen blocks to the courthouse. Instead, he finds himself under siege for said sixteen blocks and caught up in a web of criminals, dirty cops, and conspiracies. For as simple and clichéd a plot here, the script seemed quite overwrought and a tad too self-serious for what is essentially an update of Clint Eastwood's "The Gauntlet," but despite a weak script, the film is solidly directed by veteran action direction Richard Donner ("Lethal Weapon," "Superman," "Ladyhawke," "The Goonies") and Bruce gives a strong performance as always. Not a classic, but still better than the bombastic 4th and 5th "Die Hard" films.
Uriah43
"Detective Jack Mosley" (Bruce Willis) is a burnt-out New York City cop who is given the simple assignment of picking up a witness in custody named "Eddie Bunker" (Yasiin Bey) and taking him to the courthouse which is just 16 blocks away. What neither of them realize is that the person Eddie is going to testify against is a high-ranking member within the police force who has no intention of allowing him to appear in court alive. Neither does Eddie realize how many other people might be affected by his testimony. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this scenario has been used several times in the past with varying degrees of success. Unfortunately, although this particular picture certainly had its fair share of action, the overall plot became more unrealistic the further the story developed which greatly affected the film as a whole. To be sure, Bruce Willis turned in a fine performance and some of the action was quite intense, but the movie itself lacked the realism necessary for me to rate it any higher than I have. Slightly below average.
schuster_mark
This movie is one of those special occurrences that happens rarely. Yes, it's a Bruce Willis movie - and yes it's packed full of action/suspense - but what's unique about this film is the performances given by Willis, Def and especially David Morse. Willis is not his usual buff self with unearthly capabilities, but a real man with real problems. Mos Def plays the stereotypical five-time loser - BUT has a big heart and REAL motivation to change for the better. Every movie like this needs an audience captivating villain that makes everything gel - and gives the main characters credence in everything they do. David Morse is that man. David has been in several movies, but is rarely recognized for the influential roles he brings to life. There always a few actors in Hollywood that are key to successful films, but never see the light of day in regards to recognition. David Morse is one of those actors. He shines in this movie as the "bad cop". Everything he does in the movie is top notch. He really plays the role well - and makes you believe every moment. He's the catalyst that gives Willis' character credence.A great, intelligent film. I highly recommend it. The buddy relationship that forms between Def and Willis is special.
AD
