STREET KINGS
Rated R
Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Common, The Game

Brian's Rating

I've never been a fan of Keanu Reeves. Nothing he's done since his Bill & Ted days has impressed me, and that includes the Matrix series.

But I almost believe him as a vodka-swilling, shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later cop in Street Kings, now on DVD.

Reeves plays Tom Ludlow, a troubled detective with a reputation for sidestepping the rules but getting the job done. After a violent shootout results in the death of four bad guys and the rescue of two kidnapped sisters, Reeves' character enjoys some short-lived fame but soon becomes embroiled in a sticky situation that makes the audience wonder if there's an honest cop left on the force.

Sharp performances by Forest Whitaker and Hugh Laurie as dueling police captains overshadow Reeves and his wooden style but he's better here than I've seen him in a long time.

A strong story by Kurt Wimmer and L.A. Confidential's James Ellroy gives the entire cast a lot to work with.