Review of '21 Bridges'

Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) is a successful NYPD officer who is dodging internal reviews over his relentless pursuit of cop-killers over the years. When two small-time criminals Michael Trujillo (Stephan James) and the more gun-happy Ray Jackson (Taylor Kitsch) attempt to steal several kilograms of cocaine from a wine shop but are shocked to find there is more like 200 kilograms and end up killing several police officers who show up at the shop. Davis is assigned to the case along with narcotic officer Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller). The two immediately come into conflict with the FBI but all eventually agree to lock down the island of Manhattan by closing the 21 bridges until 5 am in an attempt to capture the criminals. Ray and Michael realize they in the middle of a drug war and are convinced they need to flee to Miami but when they attempt purchase new identities a group of police gun their way in despite being told not to by Davis. As events unfold it is quickly clear this is not a simple case of two drug cartels at war with one another but hints at a much larger crime syndicate…

We really liked Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther for his steely demeanour and physical action. Here this is put to good use as the underdog cop trying to fight against overwhelming odds to solve a crime. Sure, the story is a bit far fetched but it does draw you in and keep you guessing up until the final minutes. The action sequences, as you might expect, are amazing and there is, also as you might expect, lots of gun fights. A bit, perhaps, too many. All of the main characters are really well cast and do a great job pulling the viewer into the story. The film looks great, feeling very gritty and real with the bonus of a realistic storyline. It is all very dark taking place late at night but the rather limited action looks good as well.

A great action flick staring the late Chadwick Boseman as a cop under pressure along with a compelling story.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2022-02-13

Directed by: Brian Kirk

Studio: AGBO

Year: 2019

Length: 99 minutes

Genre: Action/Adventure

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8688634/