A good, atmospheric crime story that benefits from a superb soundtrack and notable performances from most of its stars - a notable exception being Jennifer Beals. Washington, at times, is excellent as Ezekiel the guy down on his luck. Cheadle is terrific as the sociopathic Mouse, his scenes are the best in the movie and his twenty minutes or so of screen time make the entire thing worthwhile. Unfortunately, Beals is not up to the job as the enigmatic girlfriend of a mayoral candidate. She plays every scene as if she were reading lines and puttying her face.
I liked the odd touches, such as the weird gardener who keeps trying to cut down everyone's trees. But I didn't like the evolution of Washington's character. Washington plays him with such subtle and fragile humanity that his transformation at the end is just unbelievable. He's overqualified for this role.
I liked the odd touches, such as the weird gardener who keeps trying to cut down everyone's trees. But I didn't like the evolution of Washington's character. Washington plays him with such subtle and fragile humanity that his transformation at the end is just unbelievable. He's overqualified for this role.