A rookie cop and her precinct get caught in the crossfire when a con artist gets himself arrested to escape a hitman, who tracks him down anyway.
ACTION/CRIME
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Copshop (2021)Directed by Joe Carnahan
Written by Kurt McLeod and Joe Carnahan Starring Gerard Butler, Frank Grillo, Alexis Louder, Toby Huss, Ryan O'Nan, Chad L. Coleman |
Joe Carnahan has really not gotten the credit he deserves. While making plenty of fan favorite films seen by plenty, he seems to not be that well-known for such a prolific director. He has consistently given us films filled with interesting characters, gripping action, laugh out loud humor, and just plain fun. With a few exceptions here and there, the man has made some of the more fun, engaging action films of the past two decades. Something which can be applied to his latest, Copshop. A film which is undoubtedly very much his style while injecting a healthy dose of his influences. In this case, the John Carpenter classic, Assault on Precinct 13. May the loyalties never be clear, and the bullets fly.
As I already mentioned, this is clearly a Carnahan film. There are several moments of intense action, followed by a relatively funny moment, and then some engaging character dialogue. And while this may be heavily influenced by the Carpenter classic, it’s actually one of the film’s strengths. It doesn’t ape the plot to the finest detail, merely uses it as a basis for its own story. None of this would work, though, if the cast wasn’t game. Luckily, they very much are. Frank Grillo continues to show us why he’s such a great person for the action genre by playing a character we can never truly trust. Gerard Butler cements his status as a modern action star in his role of a brutish contract killer. Albeit one with a little bit of a heart as he only worries about those he’s been contracted to kill. But, the one who steals the show from everyone, Toby Huss, playing one of the most psychotic hitman in film history. He completely commits to a performance of a truly unhinged individual with care for no one but himself. Simply put, Carnahan has another winner on his hands. Using his influences as a basis, he delivers a film with entertaining characters, bombastic action, and a plot that will keep you guessing. Definitely a film you deserve to check out if you want a break from superheroes and before the Halloween season hits. |
Joe Carnahan has made a name for himself directing niche, exciting, and always a bit wacko action films. See The Grey, The A-Team, Boss Level, and now Copshop for further evidence. While not has wildest effort (that honor goes to Boss Level), Copshop is a badass self-contained action thriller reminiscent of sweaty 70's grindhouse action flicks like Dirty Harry and Assault on Precinct 13, particularly the latter. You've got an epic, career-making performance from Alexis Louder, who goes toe to toe with action superstars Gerard Butler and Frank Grillo. Plus, a completely insane villain played by the unassuming Toby Huss, aka the goofy dad in 2018's Halloween. This is shaping up to be one of 2021's best surprises.
While responding to a disturbance call, rookie cop Valerie Young (Louder) is sucker-punched by a con man named Teddy Murretto (Grillo). Teddy is on the run from some very powerful people and he wants to get arrested so he can be safe. Well, unorthodox gun for hire Bob Viddick (Butler) had the same idea, since he ends up in the drunk tank right next to Teddy. However, the contract on Teddy is open, and the psychotic hitman Anthony Lamb (Huss) wants a piece. Add a heap of police corruption, some sick shootout scenes, and a shit-ton of one-liners and you've got a fun action movie. So many characters in Copshop have loyalties you wouldn't expect them to have, so there are constant shifting alliances. By the end, you've got several characters you didn't think would end up in the finale, and the open-ended ending leaves you wanting more in just the right way. This is a fun, action-packed cops and robbers movie that really shows how Joe Carnahan should be more of a household name. |