Out of Reach - 2004

Franchise Pictures, Epsilon Motion Pictures

Directed by Po-Chih Leong

William Lansing – Steven Seagal

Irena Morawska – Ida Nowakowska

Kasia Lato – Agnieszka Wagner

Faisal – Matt Schulze

Ibo – Krzysztof Pieczynski

Lewis Morton – Robbie Gee

Azimi – Murat Yilmaz

Mr. Elgin – Nick Brimble

Nikki – Jan Plazalski

Agent Shepherd – Shawn Lawrence

Rosie – Hanna Dunowska

Story: Vietnam veteran Billy Ray Lancing, a former CSA agent who now works on a wildlife refuge in Northern Alaska, has been exchanging letters in a pen-pal relationship with Irena Morawska, a 13-year-old orphaned girl in Poland that he's helping out financially. She is about to leave the orphanage on her 14th birthday. When the letters suddenly stop coming, Billy heads to Poland to figure out why -- only to discover that the orphanage that Irena was staying in, which is financed by honest -- and unsuspecting -- good-intentioned Samaritans, is a cover for a human trafficking network. Run by a man named Faisal, the operation is worth billions -- girls are sold and traded to the highest bidders from all over the world. Through Billy's letters to Irina, Billy has taught Irina how to use secret codes, which she uses to keep Billy updated on where Faisal is taking her to. That's how Billy stays on Faisal's trail as Billy teams up with local cop Kasia Lato to rescue Irina and the other girls...Written by Todd Baldridge (borrowed from IMVU)

Review: Steven Seagal is perhaps the King of the B films, but he is also a cause driven individual who likes to make films that center around real problems. Renowned for his ability as a martial artist and his “I don't take any $h!@ from anyone.” attitude, Seagal's films have unfortunately become formulaic and predictable.

Seagal plays the former agent who has become disenchanted with the agency (Which agency? Does it really matter?) Naturally, he is in the wilderness, this time on a wildlife preserve, and is sponsoring an orphaned girl in Poland. While there are some moments of emotion, most of the time Steven plays the role with a lack of luster and motivation, like he is tired of making the same film for the 100th time.

Matt Schulze is the one actor in the cast who stands out. His portrayal of Faisal, the operator of the human trafficking ring, is one dimensional, but its the right dimension. If you're going to be a bad guy, be a really bad guy. Nick Brimble's brief appearance is good, but Nick comes off as the man behind the scenes and his threat to Faisal lacks the true tone of contempt anyone would show for a man in that business.

Overall, the film is slow to the point of boredom, predictable as a clock, and just plain poorly done. Rated R for violence, language, and a few scenes in an upscale brothel. If you happen to see this one on the shelf at your local video store, I'd let it collect dust, unless you are a big fan of Seagal, and even then I would take a moment and think about it.

Virtuosity - 1995

Paramount Pictures

Directed by Brett Leonard

Cast:

• Lt. Parker Barnes – Denzel Washington
• Madison Carter – Kelly Lynch
• SID 6.7 – Russell Crowe
• William Cochran – William Forsythe
• Elizabeth Deane – Louise Fletcher
• Wallace – William Fichtner
• John Donovan – Costas Mandylor
• Kari Carter – Kaley Cuoco
• Clyde Riley – Kevin J. O'Connor
• Media Zone singer – Traci Lords

Story: Even good cops have bad days. Lt. Parker Barnes had one, and is in prison for murder. But he is still serving the department: he and another officer are test subjects in a virtual program for training police officers. The program is totally interactive with the officers, and there's even a bonus for Barnes, namely SID 6.7. SID is a constructed criminal, a combination of some of the most terrifying criminals in history, including Matthew Grimes, the man who kidnapped Barne's family and led to his incarceration. Barnes keeps winning in the simulations, outwitting SID 6.7 at every turn, but SID has developed his own personality and doesn't like to lose. SID finds a way out of the virtual world and begins a scheme of terror designed to play against his favorite opponent: Lt. Parker Barnes.

Review: Set in the very near future, Virtuosity explores the evil fantasy of every science fiction addict by bringing an evil virtual villain out of the computer and onto the streets. Seventeen years ago, this was a wild fantasy. Today, with the way we are going with computers, not so much. But you have to enjoy the acting in this one as well as the plot, which is somewhat original. The cast is eclectic, with the powerful Russell Crowe as the virtual bad guy, a two dimensional creature bent on death and destruction, and Crowe brings a frightening believability to the role. Denzel wasn't quite the heart throb at the time, but his portrayal of Parker Barnes is excellent, and we get to feel the characters emotions and angst as he is taunted again and again by this evil construct. Louise Fletcher is the uncaring, evil woman in charge of the virtual simulations, and she is perfectly opposed by Kelly Lynch (aka Mrs. John Travolta) throughout the film. A cameo by Traci Lords and an early performance by a 10 year old Kaley Cuoco (Penny on Big Bang Theory) round out an excellent cast and make for an entertaining film. Rated R for violence, language, and disturbing content, including sex, this is one for an afternoon or evening when you are tired of the run of the mill fare. Collectible? Not necessarily, but worth a rental.

Kindergarten Cop - 1990

Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Directed by Ivan Reitman

Cast:

• Det. John Kimble – Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Joyce Palmeri – Penelope Ann Miller
• Det. Phoebe O'Hara – Pamela Reed
• Miss Schlowski – Linda Hunt
• Cullen Crisp, Sr. - Richard Tyson
• Eleanor Crisp – Carroll Baker
• Sylvester's Mom – Cathy Moriarty
• Samantha's Mom – Park Overall

Story: A hardcore narcotics detective and his partner go undercover to locate the runaway wife of a drug kingpin and their son in a rural Oregon town. Phoebe O'Hara is to substitute teach the kindergarten class while John Kimble looks around the town for clues. But on the night before they are to take their positions, O'Hara falls ill and Kimble is forced to fill the role as the teacher to the kindergarten class. Miss Schlowski looks on as the children run amok and Kimble almost loses his mind, but O'Hara saves the day, and by the end of the show the kids are loving their new teacher.

Review: Before this, I think everyone thought about Arnold as Conan or the Terminator. And you can hardly blame them. After all, Arnold is the muscular, imposing prototype for the majority of action heroes on the screen today. Even after Twins, Arnold had a lot of resistance to using him in non-action roles. But this role is the one that proved he could be funny and still make a great impresson on the audience and fans alike. Arnold is all the things any action hero would cringe at, polite, gentle, understanding, and even in touch with his feelings. Pamela Reed is the perfect foil for Arnold in this lighthearted comedy with a twist. Her presence on the screen provides just the right amount of pure comedy and tomfoolery to make the less than plausible scenes work. And as usual, she ends up with all the great lines. Penelope Ann Miller is, well, Penelope Ann Miller. Her role as the teacher across the hall from Arnold's class gives the two of them a few occasions to intermingle, but I think Reitman could have made a few more scenes work. Linda Hunt is absolutely delightful as the principal who looks on while this brooding hulk of a man tries to tame the wild children. Cathy Moriarity provides us with a look into the “single parent capital of the west”, and while her role is brief, her input and presence is remarkable. Overall, the film has a buoyancy that allows you to sit through the more placid moments and still want to stay in your seat to see what happens. The real stars are the kids, of course, and I would be remiss not to mention early appearances by Odette Yustman (now Annable), Adam Wylie, and Krystle and Tiffany Mataras, to mention just a few. Rated PG-13 for references to drugs, some language, and some violence, this film is a classic for the kids (I'd say 10 and up, but that is your call) and definitely a keeper for your collection.

The Lincoln Lawyer - 2011

Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment

Directed by Brad Furman

Cast:

• Mick Haller – Matthew McConaughey
• Maggie McPherson – Marisa Tomei
• Louis Roulet – Ryan Phillipe
• Frank Levin – William H. Macy
• Ted Minton – Josh Lucas
• Val Valenzuela – John Leguizamo
• Jesus Martinez – Michael Pena
• Cecil Dobbs – Bob Gunton
• Mary Windsor – Frances Fisher
• Detective Lanksford – Bryan Cranston
• Eddie Vogel – Trace Adkins

Story: Ah, the life of a successful defense attorney in Los Angeles. All glamour and movie stars. Not! Matthew Haller realistically defends the scum of the Earth, and he knows it. His clients are drug dealers, murderers, and other criminals, but he comforts himself with the fact they pay well. His office is the back seat of his classic Lincoln Continental, and his part-time chauffeur and bodyguard is ready and observant. But sometimes, you have to actually defend a client who might be innocent, and if you lose, the fact that you failed at your job is likely to haunt you. That's what happens when another attorney, Val Valenzuela, drops a case in Haller's lap, a young man from a family with money accused of attempted rape and assault. His ex-wife is the prosecutor, and Haller discovers he is defending a guilty man, but a client of his who is serving time on death row may be innocent. How can Haller defend his client when he knows he is guilty?

Review: Okay, so not the most original plot, but some nice twists and turns. Matthew McConaughey gives a good performance in this courtroom drama, and is supported by an incredibly able cast. Veteran character actors William H. Macy and John Leguizamo add class and excitement with excellent portrayals of the investigator and the referring attorney. The remaining cast rises to their level, so we have a cast of professionals giving us a polished and entertaining production. The fact that two of the most beautiful ladies in film are included doesn't hurt. Marisa Tomei manages to keep her clothing on (unlike The Wrestler) in spite of a torrid love scene with McConaughey. And the absolutely beautiful Frances Fisher is incredible as the domineering mother of the accused who is footing the bill through her son. Kudos to Trace Adkins for a small but well done performance as the leader of the motorcycle gang who has Haller on retainer. (I guess no one is satisfied with just being an excellent singer and performer anymore.) Overall, the film is fast paced, well edited, and entertaining, exactly what a good movie should be. Rated R for violence, sexual innuendo, and language, this one is for the older teens and the adults. Too much explaining for the rug rats. Collectible? Not particularly, unless you are a fan of McConaughey, Tomei, or good courtroom drama.

Contraband - 2012

Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Working Title Films

Directed by Baltasar Kormakur

Cast:

• Chris Farraday – Mark Wahlburg
• Sebastian Abney – Ben Foster
• Danny Raymer – Lukas Haas
• Kate Farraday – Kate Beckinsale
• Tim Briggs – Giovani Ribisi
• Ben Farraday – William Lucking
• Captain Camp – J. K. Simmons

Story: So Chris Farraday used to be a smuggler..an A-1 smuggler. He didn't smuggle drugs, but he did smuggle high end items. But all that is behind him now. He owns a security company, installing and maintaining security systems for wealthy clients. Until he gets the word, his brother-in-law was smuggling drugs into the country and had to dump his shipment when they were about to be boarded by Customs. Now he is on the hook for the money paid for the product and Chris has to get back into the business for one last job. He leaves his wife and son in the care of Sebastian, a former smuggler and alcoholic who now has a construction business. While he is away, the criminals are harassing his wife and son, his brother-in-law makes a stupid mistake, and Chris has to make some quick decisions to save his wife and son from the real criminals.

Review: Great action and a great cast combine to make this an exceptional action fim. Okay, so the premise of the film is tried and true, an expert criminal who has gotten out of the life (Gone in 60 Seconds, etc.) is forced back in to protect a loved one. Interesting that Giovanni Ribisi is the criminal this time, tattooed and viscous, and Mark Wahlburg is the former smuggler. But when you watch the film, the entire cast is fluid and coherent, and the action is logical and reasonable. Ben Foster does an excellent job in his part, and it is nice to see Lukas Haas in a role that doesn't involve aliens or lovesick people. Veteran William Lucking, whose portrayal of “tough guys” through the years has entertained literally millions, is believable as Mark Wahlburg's dad, and J. K. Simmons (Emil Skoda in Law and Order and the Farmer's Insurance Guy) is excellent as the corrupt Captain Camp. So in addition to a great cast, the action scenes are flawless, the continuity is perfect, and film has a consistent feel throughout that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Rated R for violence and language, this may not be a collectible unless you're a Wahlburg fan, but certainly one for the folks who love a “crime never pays” film with plenty of comeuppance for the bad guys.

First Blood - 1982

Anabasis N.V., Elcajo Productions

directed by Ted Kotcheff

Cast:

• John Rambo – Sylvester Stallone
• Sheriff Teasle – Brian Dennehy
• Col. Sam Trautman – Richard Crenna
• Deputy Kern – Bill McKinney
• Deputy Galt – Jack Starret
• Deputy Balford – Michael Talbot
• Deputy Ward – Chris Mulkey
• Mitch – David Caruso

Story: John J. Rambo is a Vietnam vet home from the war, on a mission to catch up with some of the people he served with. He's on foot, hasn't shaved for a while, traveling by foot or thumb, wearing a field jacket and carrying a duffel bag over his shoulder. He gets bad news, the last living member of his unit died from Agent Orange poisoning. So he's drifting when a small town sheriff sees him and politely but firmly escorts him to the other side of his town. But Rambo doesn't see why he should travel another 30 miles up the road to get a meal and turns around, so the Sheriff Teasle decides to arrest him for vagrancy. When he is being processed, one of the deputies, a sadistic bastard, decides to teach him a lesson and becomes abusive. Rambo has a flashback to a memory from Vietnam and explodes in a burst of fury, injuring several deputies and escaping into the mountains and woods outside of town. The Sheriff and his deputies pursue him into the woods, but when they try to capture him, they find out they are dealing with much more than a common ordinary veteran. Rambo is a Green Beret with several decorations, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. His job in enemy territory was to kill enemy troops. Period. He is a one man army who brings the town to its knees and teaches the Sheriff that abusing power is not the same as enforcing the law.

Review: The birth of the franchise and my favorite of the Rambo movies. Sylvester Stallone is not the super vet in this film, at least not physically. (He gets bigger and bigger as his career moves forward, check out The Expendables.) The acting in this film is straightforward and honest. The deputies are locals who don't have a lot of experience in dealing with violence, the sadistic jailer gets his comeuppance soon enough, and Brian Dennehy is the sheriff who realizes he probably screwed up, but doesn't want to admit it. How dare some drifter challenge him in his town! Stallone is the lost soul, the disenfranchised loner who returned from a war to be met with protestors instead of open arms. Richard Crenna (R.I.P.) portrays the would be mediator who tries to defuse the situation. Underneath all the violence, you have to remember that the character Rambo has done nothing wrong, and is being pursued unjustly. Underlying the movie is a statement about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the way returning veterans are treated, even today. So while the adrenaline junkies among us usually praise the action in this film (and there is certainly some worthy action), most people tend to forget this film is a political statement that simply lays out the facts and lets you be the judge. Rated R for violence, language, and some disturbing images, this film is a collectible for any serious collection.

Columbiana -2011

Europa Corp., TF1 Films Production, Grive Productions

Directed by Olivier Megaton

Cast:

• Cataleya – Zoe Saldana
• Marco – Jordi Molla
• Ross – Lennie James
• Danny Delany – Michael Vartan
• Emilio Restrepo – Cliff Curtis
• Don Luis – Beto Benites
• Fabio – Jesse Borego
• Alicia – Cynthia Addai-Robinson

Story: In Columbia, the 9 year old daughter of a man who works for a drug lord watches as her parents are murdered and narrowly escapes with her life. She goes to an address her father has given her for emergencies, where events are set in motion and she arrives at the home of her uncle. When asked what she wants to do, Cataleya replies she wants to kill Don Luis, the drug lord. Her uncle is also involved in the underworld, and teaches her all he can about the skills she will need to accomplish her mission. We move ahead a decade, where the adult Cataleya is not a bloodied professional hit woman. She continues to seek Don Luis, who has surrendered to the DEA and the CIA in exchange for information. When she finally locates her objective, the battle is bloody and devastating.

Review: Zoe Saldana as a hit woman, a professional killer. As improbable as that may seem, she pulls it off, showing us a very different side of her abilities than we have seen in previous films. Perhaps it is the directing abilities of Olivier Megaton, or the writing of Luc Beeson, but there is a fluidity in this film that leads the audience into the realm of probability. The casting is exceptional, and the supporting roles for her character give an air of excitement and credibility to an otherwise mundane story of revenge. Of particular note is the lack of sexploitation so often associated with these types of films. While the sex is implied, there are no explicit scenes, and no frontal nudity tossed in as titillation, which is refreshing in itself. The action scenes are interspersed with enough exposition to keep the plot interesting, and Cataleya's character is nicely developed throughout the story. Rated PG-13 in the theaters, there is an unrated version in the video stores which contains more blood and gore. Violence, language, “disturbing scenes”, and sexuality are the caveats here, so the little ones should probably be tucked in before the teens and parents put this one in the player. While I don't see this one as particularly collectible, it isn't a waste of your time if you're looking to be entertained.

Columbus Circle - 2012

Oxymoron Entertainment, Blue Star Entertainment, G4 Pictures

Directed by George Gallo

Cast:

• Abigail Clayton – Selma Blair
• Lillian Hart – Amy Smart
• Charles Stratford – Jason Lee
• Detective Frank Giardello – Giovanni Ribisi
• Klandermann – Kevin Pollack
• Dr. Raymond Fontaine – Beau Bridges
• Detective Jerry Evans – Jason Antoon
• Howard Miles – Robert Guillaume

Story: Abigail Clayton has not come out of her condo in nearly twenty years. Her self imposed agoraphobic existence is about to be disturbed when the neighbor across the way from her condo is found dead from a fall, an accident? Detective Giardello isn't convinced, and questions the neighbors, including Abigail. He is even more intrigued to find no trace of this mysterious woman before she moved into the condo. Abigail, in an attempt to protect her privacy, attempts to purchase the victim's condo, only to find out it has been sold to Lillian and Charles, a dysfunctional couple who soon intrude upon her privacy even more. Abigail hears them arguing loudly outside her door, and peeks through the peep hole to witness Lillian being hit across the face by Charles, who is obviously drunk. Abigail tries to help, but this only leads to further intrusions as she attempts to be supportive of the apparently abused woman. Meanwhile Detective Giardello and his partner, Jerry Evans, locate Dr. Fontaine, who they soon discover is also Abigail's doctor. As the plot unfolds, we learn this is a carefully orchestrated attempt to steal a fortune from Abigail. Will it work?

Review: Bravo to Kevin Pollack, who also co-wrote this refreshing mystery in the style of the Raymond Chandler stories of old. Selma Blair and Giovanni Ribisi (in my opinion one of the most underexposed and capable actors of recent years, re: The Other Sister, Boiler Room, Avatar, etc.) give plausible and perfectly tuned performances in this film. The supporting cast is exceptional. Jason Lee provides the audience with a new perspective on his already estimable talents, not falling back upon his comedic style. Pollack and Bridges, two actors whose abilities are well known, provide us with exceptional supporting characters, as do Jason Antoon and Amy Smart. Although the initial twenty minutes of the film are a bit slow, the action quickly picks up and the conclusion contains a refreshing twist. Cinematography and photography are excellent, and the film has a cohesive feel that provides the illusion of the first time, which is after all the point of acting. Rated PG-13 for language and violence, hats off to the director and writers for not falling into the “gratuitous sex scenes that so often accompany films of this nature. Collectible? Depends on your particular bent, but wouldn't rule it out. Watch it and decide for yourself.

Staten Island (original title) - 2009

Staten Island (original title) – 2009 aka Little New York

Europa Corp., Open City Films, Why Not Productions

Directed by James DeMonaco

Cast:

• Parmie Tarzo – Vincent D'Onofrio
• Sully Halverson – Ethan Hawke
• Jasper Sabiano – Seymour Cassel
• Mary Halverson – Julianne Nicholson

Story: A mob story in three vignettes, all centering on three people who live and work on Staten Island. Parmie Tarzo is a minor league mob boss who has ambitions, but his crew doesn't agree with him, so they pay off a Russian hitman to kill him. It doesn't work out, but the experience has left Parmie with an altered view of his own identity. He isolates himself in a treehouse to help protect and endangered forest area. Meanwhile, Sully Halverson is married to the love of his life and they want to have a baby, but Mary is having some problems getting pregnant. While they are at the fertility clinic, Sully sees a video about genetic alterations to create genius babies. He wants to do this for his child, but he doesn't have the $50,000.00 he needs, so he and two friends decide to rob a mafia type for the money...Parmie Tarzo. Jaspaer Sabiano is the deaf mute meat cutter in a little Italian deli on Staten Island, and he is friends with Sully, who is discovered as one of the three thieves who stole from Parmie. When the stories all conclude, we discover why we have watched them, and how their lives intersect.

Review: This is delightful comedy where the mobsters all get their just desserts, but only after a series of really dumb moves by all concerned. Vincent D'Onofrio, who for years has played the role of Detective Goran in Law and Order: Criminal Intent, shows us his ability to completely change persona and delve into the mind of a small time hood with delusions of grandeur. Ethan Hawke delivers an excellent performance as the guy who cleans septic tanks for a living and wants a better life for his kid. Julianne Nicholson, who was also on Criminal Intent for a season across from Chris Noth, shows us an interesting character as Hawke's wife. And Seymour Cassel is excellent as the deaf mute counterman who secretly assists the mob in some of their more nefarious endeavors. The film is shot with the three perspectives merging into one, so the entire plot comes together in a very cohesive manner. One of the better indies I have seen. Be forewarned it is a Russian Comedy, which is to say everyone dies, but they all die happy....well, not everyone. Rated R for violence and language, I highly recommend this one as a great rental. Collectible? Not particularly, but definitely a must see.

Kill the Irishman - 2011

Anchor Bay Films, Code Entertainment, Dundee Entertainment

Directed by Jonathon Hensleigh

Cast:

• Danny Greene – Ray Stevenson
• John Nardi – Vincent D'Onofrio
• Joe Manditski – Val Kilmer
• Shondor Birns – Christopher Walken
• Joan Madigan – Linda Cardellini
• Ray Ferritto – Robert Davi
• Grace O'Keefe – Fionnula Flanagan
• Tony Salerno – Paul Sorvino
• Jack Licavoli – Tony Lo Bianco
• Jerry Merke – Bob Gunton
• Leo 'Lips' Moceri – Mike Starr

Story: Based on the true story of the Irishman who dared to defy the Mob in Cleveland in the 1970's. Danny Greene was a true Celtic warrior, or so the story goes. He's involved in the unions on the docks, unloading freight containers, when a few people encourage him to run for union president. When he helps out a friend who has run up a gambling debt with the local mob, he becomes involved in a spiral into the world of organized crime. He becomes the union president, and is involved in a number of enterprises, including organizing the local garbage men. A local reporter snoops around and discovers some of his dealings, which leads to his arrest and conviction. But Danny is still a force to be reckoned with, and he soon returns to the criminal life as a collection agent for a loan shark, Shondor Birns. When Birns eventually puts a contract out on Danny, he sets into motion a murder spree that accounts for more than 30 explosions and killings in the underworld, and a syndicate story that shocked the nation.

Review: Great cast, great acting, and an absolute must-see for mafia-philes. Ray Stevenson and Linda Cardellini give exceptional performances as Danny and Joan Greene in this hard hitting story based on his life. Unlike many bio-dramas, this one moves along at a rocket pace, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. D'Onofrio is exceptional in this role, as is Christopher Walken, and you have to wonder how Stevenson keeps up with such powerful performers, but he does. Lots of favorite character actors dress up this larger than life scenario, including the lovely and always enticing Fionnula Flanagan as the neighbor, Mike Starr as one of Tony Lo Biano's enforcers, and Bob Gunton as the Union President who can't stand on his own. Paul Sorvino gives us the perfect NYC mob boss image and, while his role is brief, it's a performance worth watching. Val Kilmer's role as the police officer who grew up with Greene is subdued, but he carries it off with the right tone and balance to the film. Since a great film always comes down to the director, we have to give Jonathon Hensleigh a resounding round of applause for this fascinating and entertaining portrait of the underworkings of the mob. Rated R for violence, language and sexual situations, if you like films like the Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, etc, you are going to love this one. And if you are a fan of those, this needs to be added to your collection.

Blitz - 2011

Lionsgate, Davis-Films, Current Entertainment

Directed by Elliot Lester

Cast:

• Brant – Jason Statham
• Nash – Paddy Considine
• Weiss – Aiden Gillen
• Falls – Zawe Ashton
• Dunlop – David Morrisey
• Radnor – Ned Dennehy
• Roberts – Mark Rylance

Story: Someone nicknamed the Blitz, is killing police officers in London. Only problem is, he is doing a bang up job of it. A detective, Brant, is assigned to the case, but is told to be inconspicuous if he can, since the police are getting a lot of heat in the papers about their brutality. Brant has just returned from suspension and taking some time off to help his inspector, Roberts, bury his wife. Blitz wants the publicity and contacts a local reporter, Dunlop, who sits on his contact information. Then a street informant, Radnor, discovers information about Blitz's identity and tries to shake down the newspaper for a reward. Again, Dunlop tries to use the information before notifying the police. Meanwhile, other police officers are killed. When Dunlop finally does reveal his knowledge to the police, Blitz has had time to hide all the evidence. But the police are not done yet.

Review: I guess London needed a Dirty Harry, so they came up with this one. Jason Statham is an English Clint Eastwood/Bruce Willis combo in this action packed thriller about a cop killer on the loose. Paddy Considine does an excellent job portraying the temporary station commander who is assigned after the current commander, played by Mark Rylance, is placed on bereavement leave after the death of his wife. Aiden Gillen is Blitz, the cop killer with a mission of vengeance for the officers who incarcerated him before. Overall, the plot is nothing new, the good guys are chasing the bad guy, life goes on, and good triumphs over evil. But the action scenes are crisp and well done, as is the photography. This is not the glitzy, shiny world of 007, where everyone dresses to the nines and the royals are out on display. These are the mean streets of London, and Jason Statham is the cop who breaks the rules to keep the citizens safe. Rated R for violence, some nudity, language, and some drug use, this one is definitely not a collectible, but worth an evenings entertainment.

Faces in the Crowd - 2011

Forecast Pictures, Frantic Films Live Action Productions, Minds Eye Entertainment

Written and Directed by Julian Magnat

Cast:

• Anna Marchant – Milla Jovovich
• Sam Kerrest – Julian McMahon
• Lanyon – David Atrakchi
• Bryce – Michael Shanks
• Dr. Langenkamp – Marianne Faithfull
• Francine – Sally Wayne Callies
• Nina – Valentina Vargas

Story: Anna Marchant is on her way home from a night out with her girlfriends when she witnesses the murder of a young woman. The killer, a serial killer nicknamed the “Tear Jerker” because his tears have been found on all his victims, comes after her, and in the ensuing struggle she is knocked off the bridge into the water, violently striking her head on the way down. The impact has left her with a rare condition, she is unable to remember anyone's face, including the face of the man who attacked her. Sam Kerrest, the police detective who is assigned to the case, must try to protect her from the unknown assailant, and in the process, is falling in love with her. Anna must cope with the condition, which causes her to be suspended from her job, since she cannot remember the faces of the children, and loses her relationship with Bryce. When one of her closest friends is murdered, almost in front of her, Sam realizes the killer is near, and takes her away to the island where he grew up as a boy. When they return to the city, Sam realizes who the killer is, and in the end, the cost to save Anna is high.

Review: Milla Jovovich as the victim? Wow, after all the films where she kicks butts and takes names, this is an interesting change, and one that seems to work well. While there is the mandatory nudity of a Milla Jovovich movie (let's face it, the lady is beautiful), I found most of the scenes to be unnecessary to the plot. Milla does a good job of portraying Anna, and her emotions are direct and correct for the scene she is in. Julian McMahon is equally good, so the two combine to make a credible match up in this low key story about the hunt for a serial killer. The photography is excellent and the script is average, so the overall feel of the show is more suited for the small screen than the big screen, which is why this started out in Turkey and went to DVD release in the US. While I doubt there will be a big following for this film, fans of Milla will enjoy it, as will fans of Julian McMahon, who enjoys a modicum of interest from his fans from NIP TUCK and CHARMED. (Wouldn't count on a lot of fans of DR. DOOM, Julian, that movie missed the mark among us comic book, er, graphic novel, fans. Rated R for violence and sexuality, this is a film you can pass on or not, depending on your taste for melodrama. Nothing to write home about, but certainly nothing to dismiss out of hand. Rent it and put it back on the shelf.

A Perfect World - 1993

Warner Bros. Pictures, Malpaso Productions

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Cast:

• Chief Red Garnett – Clint Eastwood
• Robert 'Butch' Hayes – Kevin Costner
• Sally Gerber – Laura Dern
• Phillip 'Buzz' Perry – T. J. Lowther
• Terry Pugh – Keith Szarabajka
• Bobby Lee – Bradley Whitford
• Tom Adler – Leo Burmester
• Paul Saunders – Bruce McGill

Story: Two prisoners break out of a Texas jail in the early 1960's. One is just trying to get away, the other is an idiot who is hell bent on going out Texas-style, guns blazing. While looking for a different car, they happen on a single mom and her daughters and son in a residential area. They take the son hostage and escape in the car they came in. The next morning, while getting some supplies, Butch kills Terry for trying to sexually assault the boy, Phillip. By this time the U. S. Marshalls have been alerted and Chief Red Garnett, who is in charge of the manhunt, commandeers the Governor's latest equipment as his command post. The governor has sent a specialist in criminal behavior, Sally Gerber, to aide in the recapturing of the prisoners. The FBI has sent Bobby Lee to assist, but as a sniper. Butch and 'Buzz' steal a yellow Ford sedan and make their way across the back roads of Texas, trying to avoid roadblocks and escape. Marshall Garnett and his crew try to figure a way to get the boy out safely, while the Governor of Texas is making as much political currency as he can.

Review: Clint Eastwood's perspective on the human condition is remarkable. In this film he takes the best of each cadre of the cast and seems to make the entire thing about everyone's agenda. Keith Szarabajka is the perfect sociopath, and you can tell he is not long for the film. Kevin Costner is not a career criminal, just a wild youth who got sent up on the recommendation of Garnett years ago, a recommendation he is now regretting. Eastwood and Dern are the realists on the Law Enforcement side, trying to cope with a situation while dealing with the politics of the situation. Bradley Whitford should really be in the prison uniform, but instead plays the FBI sniper who is intent on proving to everyone his testosterone levels are up to the task. Throughout the film, the relationship between Costner and Lowther is the principle theme, and you can tell Costner's character is basically a decent person, although there are some things in his understand of life that need a little adjustment. The end of the film is as powerful as the beginning, and this early Eastwood epic ranks up there with Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby as a powerful film with a subtle, but provocative message. Rated R for violence, language, and sexual content. If you are an Eastwood fan, you are going to want this one for your collection.

Killer Elite - 2011

Omnilab Media, Ambience Entertainment, Current Entertainment

Directed by Gary McKendry

Cast:

• Danny – Jason Statham
• Spike – Clive Owen
• Hunter – Robert De Niro
• Davies – Dominic Purcell
• Meier – Aden Young
• Anne – Yvonne Strahovski
• Martin – Ben Mendelsohn
• Agent - Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Story: Based on a true story by Ranulph Fiennes, a British officer in the service of the Sultanate of Oman, orginally published under the title “The Feather Men.” A special ops team of assassins is sent in to eliminate a politician, but after the assassin kills the target, he discovers there is a child in the car. He hesitates, is shot in the arm, and his team manages to extract him before the police and guards can get to him. As he is being driven away, he tells the team leader “I'm out.” approximately a year later, while working on his property in Australia, he receives a package in the mail containing an airline ticket and a photo of his team leader in captivity. When he arrives in Oman, the Sultan explains there are three men responsible for the deaths of his sons, and he wants them killed before he will uphold his bargain with the British for oil rights. If Danny, the assassin, does not do this, they will kill Hunter, his old team leader. There is a slight problem, the men he wants killed are all Special Air Service commandos, known as some of the most skilled killers in the world. As Danny works with his former teammates, Davies and Meier, to complete the task, Spike, a former SAS operative in the service of the “Feather Men”, discovers his former teammates are being killed and alerts the SAS. Danny must battle the British government's most prolific killers to keep his team leader alive.

Review: This is NOT a remake of the 1975 film! This is a remarkable translation of a book that exposes the British government, or at least a scheming, ruthless portion of it, for the money grubbing, greedy opportunists they were. Set in Oman in the 1980's, the film focuses on an elite team of assassins sent in under the guise of maintaining political stability to take out elements of the government who were unfriendly to British interests. There missions are simple assassinations, usually clean kills, until the one we see at the opening of the film. I could digress into the book itself, but had better stick to the movie if I don't want to start an editorial. I do highly recommend the book, if you have the time. As to the film, it is a no-holds barred look at the seedy underside of political deals and the life of a trained mercenary. Jason Statham gives a rare and remarkable performance as the assassin who is tired of the game, yet pulled back in to save the life of his former team leader, Robert De Niro. De Niro's performance is highly reminiscent of his role in Ronin, and he brings that sense of a man who knows so much more than he is willing to tell. Clive Owen is a passionate, cold blooded killer who has trouble coming to grips with his physical impairment (he lost an eye) which led to his discharge from the SAS. Dominic Purcell gives a stellar performance as the assassin who resembles Fiona in Burn Notice in attitude (“Shall we shoot them?”), but is intensely loyal and follows orders as directed. The film moves quickly, and the action is appropriate to the scene, which means that there are no added explosions or visuals beyond what is needed to get the point across. Rated R for language, violence, and some sexuality/nudity, this is a carefully thought out film without a bias. The events unfold, the story is told, and it is up to you, the viewer, to determine right and wrong. I will leave collectible up to you, it will depend on your taste in politics and war films.

The General's Daughter - 1999

Paramount Pictures, Neufeld Rehme Productions, MFP Munich Film Partners GmbH & Company I. Produktions KG

Directed by Simon West

Cast:

• Warrant Officer Paul Brenner – John Travolta
• Warrant Officer Sara Sunhill – Madeline Stowe
• Lt. General Joseph Campbell – James Cromwell
• Col. William Kent – Timothy Hutton
• Col. George Fowler – Clarence Williams III
• Capt. Elizabeth Campbell – Leslie Stefanson
• Col. Robert Moore – James Woods
• Police Chief Yardley – Daniel von Bargen

Story: An Army Criminal Investigations Division Agent, Warrant Officer Paul Brenner, is undercover investigating the illegal sales of weapons to a civilian at Fort MacCallum. He is about to arrest the civilian when his suspect attempts to murder him and is killed in the process. As he is finishing up reporting to the local sheriff, he gets a call. When he arrives at a training area on the fort, he sees the body of a young woman lying staked to the ground and MP's all around. He has met her before, she helped him change a flat tire the night before. Also on the scene is a CID rape counselor and investigator, WO Sara Sunhill, with whom Brenner has had previous relations. Soon they discover the victim is none other than the daughter of the soon to retire General Campbell. As the two investigators probe into the crime, they discover a trail of coverups that lead back to West Point, the academy where the General's Daughter attended. Suspect after suspect is investigated until the truth is revealed, a truth the Army did not want revealed.

Review: Just how far should the military be allowed to “take care of it's own”? That is the underlying question in this fictional account of a rape covered over for the “good of the service”. Or was it? Travolta is at his best in this suspenseful thriller that places him between the proverbial rock and hard place. Is he a soldier first or a police officer? James Woods is equally good as the Commander and friend of the victim, and his position as the head of Psychological Warfare group makes him an interesting foil for the questions the investigator must ask. Madeline Stowe presents an interesting character as the skilled rape investigator who uncovers the perpetrators with a “minimum of effort”, and her conversations with Travolta (the character's ex-lover) bring out an interesting sub plot to the film. While the other actors in the film are adequate to the plot, the main conflict lies with Travolta and Stowe, so the remainder of the cast plays “second fiddle”. With scenes of nudity, sexual sadism, language and violence being strung throughout the film, it is well deserving of the R rating. While not particularly collectible, this film should be seen by any lover of a good drama with a surprising ending.

Knockaround Guys - 2001

New Line Cinema, Lawrence Bender Productions

Directed and Written by Brian Koppelman ,David Levien

Cast:

• Matty Demaret – Barry Pepper
• Chris Scarpa – Andy Davoli
• Johnny Marbles – Seth Green
• Taylor Reese – Vin Diesel
• Teddy Deserve – John Malkovich
• Sheriff Decker – Tom Noonan
• Benny “Chains” Demaret – Dennis Hopper
• Brucker – Kevin Gage

Story: Matty Demaret is 13 years old, and he has to make a decision. Teddy Deserves has Benny Boulevard in a basement trussed up like a prize turkey and tells Matty this is the guy responsible for his dad, Benny Chains, being in prison. Teddy hands Matty a gun and tells him its time to step up and be a man. But Matty is 13 years old, and can't pull the trigger.
Now Matty is in his early twenties, and he and his three friends are finding life just a little more difficult than they thought. Matty has the education and some experience in sports and wants to become a sports agent, but when his dad's name is brought up, its “thanks, but no thanks”. Chris Scarpa runs his dad's restaurant, Taylor Reese works as an vending machine distributor, and Johnny Marbles is a cokehead who has his own airplane. Their fathers, all old school mafia, have brought them up “privileged”, so they have never been involved with the dirty end of the business. Matty, since he can't get a job in his field, decides he wants to work for his father. A job comes up, a job that requires almost no effort. Benny needs a loan, and the guy loaning the money is in Seattle. Matty gets Marbles to fly out to Seattle to pick up the money and fly straight back. But when he stops for fuel in Wibaux, Wyoming, he gets paranoid when he sees the local sheriff and his deputy in the terminal and drops the bag in the baggage for a departing flight. Marbles screws up, and Matty, Scarpa, and Taylor have to fly out to Wibaux to find the bag and the money before the local authorities do.

Review: This films proves the consistency of Murphy's Law. If anything can go wrong, it will, at the worst possible time. Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, Seth Green and Andy Davoli are all the privileged sons of mob bosses and it shows. They are caught in between their fathers' world and the straight word, and neither world has a place for them it seems. Dennis Hopper and John Malkovich play the boss and underboss to the hilt, two old school “Gumbas” who have a heavy rep and a lot of street cred. When Matty and his “crew” are finally given a chance to prove themselves, Marbles, who swears he is off the nose candy, screws up and forces them to come to his location to bail him out. Seth Green is Marbles, and out of the entire cast, he is the most believable character. I mean, face it, Seth Green has made a living out of being the perpetual screw up, and will likely continue in that role forever. Barry Pepper makes an effort to come off as the crew leader, but he is relying on everyone else to make decisions and call the shots for him. Vinnie comes off as a typical enforcer, a street thug who does have one of the best scenes in the film when he beats the hell out of Brucker, the small town hood who “runs” Wibaux. Andy Davoli has the smoothness of Hugh Hefner when it comes to the ladies, but lacks the mobster mentality. You have to ask yourself what he is doing in the crew. Tom Noonan gives an adequate but two dimensional performance as the Sheriff, and the entire movie comes off like a bad cartoon. Rated R for violence, drug use, and language, this one can stay on the shelf for a long time before anyone rents it, and then its gonna be someone who really likes one of the great actors in the film. Not collectible, and I am sure some of these actors are trying to buy up the copies.

Find Me Guilty - 2006

Yari Film Group Releasing, Bob Yari Productions, Syndicate Films International

Directed by Sidney Lumet

Cast:

• Jackie DiNorscio – Vin Diesel
• Nick Calabrese – Alex Rocco
• Ben Klandis – Peter Dinklage
• Sean Kierney – Linus Roache
• Judge Finestein – Ron Silver
• Bella DiNorscio – Annabella Sciorra
• Marina DiNorscio – Aleksa Palladino

Story: Based on the true story of 1986-87 trial The United States v. Anthony Accetturo et al., this film focuses on Giacomo “Jackie Dee” or “Fat Jack” DiNorscio, the convicted drug dealer and distributor for the Lucchese family. This fictionalized account (names changed to protect the innocent?) gives us a character study of probably the last “stand up” guy in the mafia. Jackie is already serving a thirty year sentence for possession with intent to distribute cocaine when he is called to the federal prosecutor's office and offered a deal: Testify against your mob associates and we will cut time off your sentence, maybe even set you up with witness protection. Jackie tells Kierney, the prosecutor, in no uncertain terms to go to hell, and the trial is on. Kierney takes in personally, having all privileges revoked from Jackie in prison, including his old beat up recliner removed from his cell, which he has due to a bad back. During the trial, we witness the treatment of DiNorscio, who has chosen to represent himself, by the feds, by the judge, and by his peers. While most of the co-defendants remain friends with Jackie, Nick Calabrese, the “Don” of the Lucchese family, is rude and abusive to Jackie, blaming him for almost every nuance of the trial that appears not to go in their favor. There are some moments of comedy when Jackie talks to the jury, but the real drama comes when this mobster confronts the witnesses against him, including his own cousin, who tried to murder him in his home.

Review: If you were expecting another action adventure film with Vinnie Diesel, guess again. This film is one where Vin has to act, and I mean act. And he does it amazingly well. The plot is well laid out and sets a logical foundation from start to finish. While a failure at the box office, this film is one of the great underground sleepers everyone who is interested in the real history of the “Mafia” in the US should see. Vin portrays “Jackie Dee” DiNorscio, probably one of the last “Stand Up” guys in the mob, unwilling to sell out his friends and family to get a reduced sentence. In the courtroom, he is a fly in the ointment, and a pain in the judge's rear end. As his own attorney, he makes procedural and other mistakes the defense attorney's are uncomfortable with. While most of the other mobsters are okay with Jackie, Alex Rocco (as Nick Calabrese, Don of the Lucchese family) is brusque, rude, and downright condescending to him, accusing him of selling out for a deal. Throughout the trial, Vinnie remains solid, and is supported by Ben Klandis (played by Peter Dinklage). Dinklage gives an amazing performance as the dwarf attorney who is surprisingly adept at presenting his case. Ron Silver is prefect as the judge, showing only as much emotion as he needs, and trying to be fair in his rulings. Linus Roache shows us the firm, determined persona we were used to when he took over for Jack McCoy in the final seasons of Law and Order, and this was not his first time working with Vin. They were previously together in The Chronicles of Riddick. Annabella Sciorra and Alexa Palladino are also excellent in their roles as Jackie's wife and daughter. And Hat's Off to the casting department for presenting us with a list of Italian names not seen since the Godfather films. I guess they felt you had to be Italian to understand what was up at the time. Rated R for language and some brief but brutal violence, this may not be a film for the family, but it is definitely one for Vin fans and anyone who likes an unpretentious legal docudrama. Collectible? Depends on your taste.

Live Free or Die Hard - 2007

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Dune Entertainment, Ingenious Film Partners

Directed by Len Wiseman

Cast:

• John McClane – Bruce Willis
• Thomas Gabriel – Timothy Olyphant
• Matthew Farrell – Justin Long
• Mai Linh – Maggie Q
• FBI Dep. Director Miguel Bowman – Cliff Curtis
• Trey – Jonathan Sadowski
• Frederick 'Warlock' Kaludis – Kevin Smith
• Lucy Gennero McClane – Mary Elizabeth Winstead
• Agent Molina – Zejlko Ivanek

Story: The FBI cyber security section is suddenly hacked. It is a momentary glitch, but the deputy director wants to find out what happened, so he tells his agents to get every known hacker capable of doing this and bring them in for questioning. Since they are spread out and the FBI lacks some local resources to bring them all in, the enlist the help of local agencies, including the NYPD. John McClane is in Rutgers, checking up on his daughter, who is currently not speaking with him (sort of a pattern with John and women in general), when he gets the call to go pick up young Matthew Farrell, a hacker in the general area. When he gets to Farrell's apartment, they are about to leave when gunfire erupts, aimed at Farrell. John manages to kill three of the bad guys and escape with Farrell, and heads to Washington DC to deliver the young hacker. When he gets there, he finds the FBI building has been evacuated due to an Anthrax alarm, and everything in the country run by computer is going haywire. They soon discover the source of the disaster, a disgruntled federal employee who has a plan to destroy the entire US monetary system as his revenge for his dismissal. Once again, John McClane must save the day using only his wits and the help of two unlikely sources, a computer hacker named Matt, and an underground cyberwarrior code named Warlock.

Review: Twelve years have passed and the franchise proves just as viable as it ever was. Talk about enduring star quality. Bruce Willis is just as flippant and entertaining as he was in Die Hard, still a cop, still in New York (although there was that brief stint in LA), and still fighting with the women in his family, this time with little Lucy Generro, who has grown into a very attractive young lady. The symmetry of the characters is perfect, and Wiseman certainly knew and understood the passion of the Die Hard films (at his age, he probably grew up watching them, he was 15 when the original came out). Justin Long portrays the cyber nerd Matt Farrell, and he does an excellent job in recreating the foil for McClane's character. Mary Elizabeth Winstead was certainly the right actress to portray McClane's daughter, as feisty and abrupt in the character as Willis. Timothy Olyphant is exceptional as the cyber genius whose knowledge of the computer systems in the government gives him the background to disrupt a nation. Cliff Curtis is great as the FBI Deputy Director of Cyber Security, and adds a wonderful facet to an otherwise typical role as the law enforcement officer who always seems to be at odds with McClane. Since John is more proactive, he is always a step behind, but at least he reacts more quickly once he sees the problem. The plot moves at lightning speed in this latest (last?) installment of the franchise, and the action is exceptional. Rated PG-13 for violence and a brief sexual situation, this film is a wild ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Absolutely collectible for the set, and for any fan of great action films.

Die Hard with a Vengeance - 1995

Cinergi Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Directed by John McTiernan

Cast:

• John McClane – Bruce Willis
• Simon Gruber - Jeremy Irons
• Zeus Carver – Samuel L. Jackson
• Joe Lambert – Graham Greene
• Connie Kowalski – Colleen Camp
• Insp. Walter Cobb – Larry Bryggman
• Ricky Walsh – Anthony Peck
• Katya – Sam Phillips

Story: A peaceful morning in New York City. That is until a bomb explodes and takes out a department store along the entire block, causing cars to be thrown into each other and lots of really pissed off New Yorkers. At headquarters, police are trying to coordinate clean up efforts when they get a call from “Simon” who wants to speak with John McClane. Our hero is currently on suspension, but not today. “Simon” informs Inspector Cobb if McClane is not available to play a game of Simon Says with him, he will continue to set off bombs in New York City. They locate McClane, attempt to sober him up, and leave him in the middle of Harlem for the first part of Simon's game. He is to stand in the middle of Harlem wearing a sandwich board and his underwear with the message “I Hate Niggers” on the board. Zeus Carver, a shop owner across the street from where he has been dropped, sees McClane and attempts to get him off the street before local black thugs notice the sign. An altercation does take place, but the two manage to commandeer a taxi and head back to police headquarters, where Simon informs them via telephone they will both be required to complete his game. Simon runs McClane and Carver all over town, apparently for no reason until the FBI tells McClane this is none other than Simon Gruber, the brother of Hans Gruber who McClane dropped off the Nakatomi tower. John figures this is a ruse, and works with the police and Zeus to thwart their efforts.

Review: YEAH! John McTiernan back at the helm. Not that Renny did a horrible job, but this Die Hard comes back to the energy level of the original. John and Holly are heading toward their inevitable divorce, John is back in New York, and now we introduce a couple of wild cards into the mix. Samuel L. Jackson plays Zeus Carver, a businessman in Harlem who does not like white people. Jeremy Irons plays Simon Gruber, the brother of Hans using his desire to take revenge on McClane as an elaborate diversion from his real goal, a robbery of international proportions. Graham Greene and Colleen Camp add a nice flair with their roles, and Bruce gives us an interesting perspective on McClane's development. Like the previous two films, the action is non stop and the good guys prevail, but it is never that simple. There is always one more thing to do. Rated R for violence, language, and a brief passionate encounter. Collectible if you love Willis or just want to have the entire set.

The Son of No One - 2011

Millennium Films, Nu Image Films, Hannibal Pictures

Directed by Dito Montiel

Cast:

• Officer Jonathon White – Channing Tatum
• Kerry White – Katie Holmes
• Captain Charles Stanford – Al Pacino
• Captain Marion Mathers – Ray Liotta
• Loren Bridges – Juliette Binoche
• Officer Thomas Prudenti – James Ransone

Story: Jonathon White, the son of a police officer killed in the line of duty is raised in the Queensboro projects by his grandmother. His life is unbelievable hell, living in the midst of addicts and dealers and child molesters, and he is constantly in fear. In self defense, he kills a junkie who is stealing his grandmother's welfare checks, and when the dealer starts to kick his dog, he pushes him down the stairs and the dealer breaks his neck. Detective Stanford knows the truth, but also knows the circumstances and closes the cases as unsolved. Sixteen years later, he has chosen to join the police force and is assigned to the same precinct as he lived in when he grew up. Captain Mathers is just about to take over from now Captain Stanford, when letters begin to appear in a local paper accusing Stanford of concealing two murders in the projects. Pressure is brought to bear on White, who Mathers' suspects of writing the letters, but to further cover up the crime, Mathers and Stanford plot to kill a childhood friend of White's and frame him for the murders.

Review: When I watched this film, I was impressed with the acting, the plot, and the characters. What I was not impressed with was the film itself. The story is an impressive, courageous look at life in the projects, a place where we house the welfare cheats, drug dealers, and other scum of society in the hopes they will remain in the confines of their own jungle. Channing Tatum's character is a nice white boy growing up in a not-so-nice environment with little hope of surviving from day to day. Al Pacino is the cop who understands what kind of life the child lives, and when he sees the desperation of his existence, he covers the murders to protect the child. Ray Liotta is the personified vision of what most people believe NYPD is all about, a warden in the asylum, worried about nothing more than keeping his cops and his reputation alive. If the story had been told from front to back instead of jerking us back and forth in time, I think it would have merited a release to the big screen here in the US. As it is, the distributor was right in releasing this film in the overseas market and bringing it to the states in DVD release. With the exception of Katie Holmes, whose performance lacks the depth of emotion a police wife should have, the cast does an admirable job, and this film is worth a look. Rated R for violence, language, and a disturbing sex scene, this film is not collectible, and is certainly a second tier rental.