Righteous Kill
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Movie Reviews of Righteous Kill
Movie Review: Two Legends Unite Once Again
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to be honest, Righteous kill is a good film but isn't really one that can be considered above the likes of their previous collaborations such as Heat or Godfather part 2, but it's one that's definitely worthy of praise. Righteous Kill tells the story of two aging cops, Turk (De Niro) & Rooster (Pacino) who seem ready for retirement. Before they can hand in their badges they're called in to investigate the murder of a notorious pimp which seems to have links to a case they solved years ago. As the story progresses a number of different murders are committed by what seems to be the same man and in a vigilante fashion. The killer is teasing the cops by leaving poetic calling cards with the victims, obituaries of sorts. As time rolls on and the killer continues to stay on the loose, a theory is developed that a cop is the serial killer which leads to suspicions that it's Turk committing the crimes.
This being a crime psychological thriller isn't anything fancy, it's not about the flashy shootouts or gory killing, it's not even about the sex or any form of violence. It's intelligent and it keeps you wondering until the very end of the movie. De Niro puts on a stellar performance and is only complemented by Pacino. They're not playing any characters they haven't played before, they're still the cliché tough guy Italian Americans, but isn't that what we love them for? The twist at the end is also quite cool and in a way very unexpected. Throughout the film we're given snippets of Turks "confession" and we're honestly lead to believe it is really him committing the murders. Of course as is the tradition with films of this sort, Turk is not the killer but you will be genuinely shocked to find out who it is.
The supporting do their job and do their job well, but are only hampered in their performance when sharing screen time with either De Niro or Pacino. It's even quite pleasant to see Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in a role that isn't the obnoxious rapper criminal, but is a criminal caught in the middle of a bigger investigation. The acting between the two main stars is stellar and the chemistry really works, it's a joy to see them perform together and in a way is quite a saddening affair to think this may be the last time we ever see these two greats share a movie screen. I sincerely hope it's not though.
All in all a really enjoyable film that touches on a good message of "Is it right to kill those who have hurt or killed others?" The notion of a Righteous Kill is an intelligent one, it touches on a subject that we all face when we look at criminals who don't get their punishment. We've all thought "I can't wait until that guy gets what's coming to him" and this film asks the quesion of, is it right? Maybe not, but it certainly made a worthwhile movie fun to watch.
I would firstly recommend you go and see it in the cinema, then, if you're completely satisfied I would buy it on DVD as it's truly worth it.
Movie Review: "Righteous Kill" is great!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Righteous Kill" is great! This is how the story goes: A pair of veteran New York City police detectives are on the trail of a vigilante serial killer. After 30 years as partners in the pressure cooker environment of the NYPD, highly decorated Detectives David 'Rooster' Fisk and Thomas 'Turk' Cowan should be ready for retirement, but aren't. Before they can hang up their badges, they are called in to investigate the murder of a notorious pimp, which appears to have ties to a case they solved years before. Like the original murder, the victim is a suspected criminal whose body is found accompanied by a four line poem justifying the killing. When additional crimes take place, it becomes clear the detectives are looking for a serial killer, one who targets criminals that have fallen through the cracks of the judicial system. His mission is to do what the cops can't do on their own--take the culprits off the streets for good. The similarities between the recent killings and their earlier case raise a nagging question: Did they put the wrong man behind bars?
The cast led by Robert De Niro (as Turk) & Al Pacino (as Rooster) is excellent! The directing by Jon Avnet (who has produced movies, such as, "Risky Business" (1983), and directed and also produced movies, such as, "Fried Green Tomatoes" (1991), and most recently, did "88 Minutes" (2008, which also starred Pacino) is excellent! The story and screenplay by Russell Gewirtz (who also wrote "Inside Man" (2006) & its possible upcoming sequel in 2010) is excellent!
The music by Ed Shearmur (who also did the music to the upcoming "Passengers" (2008) and the recent "88 Minutes") is excellent! The cinematography by Denis Lenoir (who also did the cinematography to "88 Minutes") is excellent! The film editing by Paul Hirsch (who won the Oscar for his work in "Ray" (2004) is excellent! The casting by Nancy Klopper (who also did the casting to "Risky Business") is excellent! The production design by Tracey Gallacher (who also did the production design to "88 Minutes") is excellent! The art direction by Christina Ann Wilson (who is doing the art direction to the upcoming "Shutter Island" (2009) & "Alice In Wonderland" (2010) is excellent! The set decoration by Kathy Lucas (who is doing the set decoration to the upcoming "The Ugly Truth" (2009) is excellent! The costume design by Debra McGuire (who also did the costume design to "Redbelt" (2008), and was also Pacino's wardrobe designer on "88 Minutes") is excellent!
This is an excellent action-thriller that keeps you thinking and on the edge of your seat. This is an excellent reunion for De Niro and Pacino, 13 years since "Heat" (1995). Their roles in this movie couldn't be any different than they were in "Heat".
Movie Review: This isn't M Night Shyamalan. It is actually a SMART film
Summary: 5 Stars
I think people are misinterpreting the film. This isn't M Night Shyamalan. The flashbacks and "twist" in the end weren't supposed to be a shocker or a revelation. It was to make a point. The killer's identity is insignificant.
The story is about two police officers who went into the job with the best of intentions. They are by nature good men. The job and the ineffectiveness of the system weighs on them both and damages them both differently.
The killer's actions throughout the movie can be justified by the audience. We get to know the characters and grow to like them. It doesn't matter who the killer is because we've grown to care for them and it has been determined that the actions of the killer are forgivable. He killed murderers, rapists and pedophiles - people who deserved to die. The transition in the film is when the killer hurts an innocent. When he victimizes someone who doesn't deserve it, the revelation should happen. It isn't a hammer like hollywood is known for. It's more subtle.
Can you forgive him now? You know him. You like him. He had good intentions and his motive is understandable. Can you forgive him for what he did? Do you even care about the other character enough for it to bother you?
If you do forgive his character and like him in the end, is it fair to root for the demise of all of the 'bad guys' before. We didn't know their story. We didn't know their motives or intentions. They're a blank slate.
It's much easier to root for the death and destruction of those we do not know that commit heinous acts than those we do. That is the point.
Either man could have been the killer. It didn't matter. The ending flashback sequences were an explanation and nothing more. It wasn't intended to be a "WOW" moment. It was deeper than that.
I was blown away by the movie. It was a thought-provoking movie that pushes you to believe one way (that getting the bad guys is just) to completley having to readjust your thought process (well....rape is bad, but......)
That to me is much better than a cheap shocker. It's an unjustified compromise that one makes with themselves. For a film to do that is quite amazing.
Movie Review: Who Is the Vigilante Cop? (Great Entry In The Vigilante Genre From Jon Avnet)
Summary: 5 Stars
Two of Hollywood's greatest leading men, Robert Deniro and Al Pacino, are detectives Turk and Rooster, respectively. They are partners and best friends. Together, they are investigating a serial killer who has decided to mete out his own brand of vigilante justice. Criminals who have gone free on technicalities are being shot by an expert marksman; poems are being found on their corpses. Who is the poetic serial killer? Could it be a cop? The answer will shock you.
Fans of horror and action thrillers alike will love "Righteous Kill." Thanks to the gory, shocking murders that compose a high body count, the pacing is fast. Also, some of the victims were genuinely corrupt and the viewer will tend to sympathize with the serial killer. Is the killer truly righteous in disposing of these criminals? We also cheered Charles Bronson in the classic "Death Wish" and Jodie Foster in "The Brave One" when they relentlessly pursued the criminals who had killed their loved ones.
Planting false evidence and killing criminals who have escaped justice have been themes of past vigilante films. Michael Douglas was a judge in "The Star Chamber," which was a vigilante organization contracting hit men to kill criminals. Charles Bronson is found guilty of planting evidence on a serial killer in "10 To Midnight;" he later pursues the serial killer himself after three more young women are stabbed to death at his daughter's dormitory.
As long as there is a justice system that favors the criminal over the victim, there will be movies like "Righteous Kill." They represent a society that feels frustrated and hopeless because criminals are not receiving the punishments that they deserve.
Kudos to Anchor Bay Entertainment for a superb DVD presentation of "Righteous Kill." Great direction from Jon Avnet, a top notch cast, plenty of suspense, and a sad, provocative finale make it essential viewing for fans of the vigilante genre.
Movie Review: STILL TWO OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS !
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike several of the previous reviews, I liked the film very much for several reasons. First, it pairs two of the very best and versatile actors in the business, Pacino and DeNiro, along with super supporting actor, Brian Denehy. Secondly, it deals with a subject that appeals, in fantasy, with emotions shared by a large segment of our society, retribution for heinous crimes but unfulfilled because of the often unfair legal system. This film harkens back to the popular DEATH WISH series of the '70's and '80's starring the great Charles Bronson in which he, too, became a vigilante due to the dubious legal system.
Sure, there are some weak plot details, but that exists in many of the greatest films of yesterday and today and in the end we rate films for a great number of things not the least of which is great acting which does not dissappoint here. For the most part, the film leads you in one direction and many surprises occur along the way. All in all, take it for what it is: a pairing of three great actors, lots of action, a sympathetic theme and many surprises. I hope this will not be the last pairing of this dynamic duo.