Review: 21 Bridges

If you watch a dozen American police films, you must undeniably draw the conclusion that 40-50% of the police force is thoroughly corrupt.

Corruption, drugs and easy penchant for dirty bribes are a theme that has been taken up in countless crime and action movies from across the pond. So too with 21 Bridges; and believe us, the latest addition does not bring much new to the table.

 

Two petty criminal drug dealers make a bargain with one of New York’s larger fishermen, they have little idea that the restaurant contains over 10 times more cocaine than they were informed about. One of them proposes to interrupt, while the stereotypical bad guy refuses to let go of the big win – thus shooting himself in. During the escape, unfortunately, seven policemen “get in the way”…

After the carnage on its own, the NYPD is screaming for revenge and quick arrests. Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman), with a legendary policeman to his father, is put on the task. Others are known as a brilliant investigator, but also one who is more than happy to shoot first, which he documents frequent visits to the internal control

During the hunt, the police decide to put Manhattan under lockdown, all tunnels and 21 bridges to the island are closed down, and Andre and his team have 5-6 night hours to solve the impossible task.

Of course, not everything is as it seems, of course Andre is not as headless a triggerhappy as we are to get the impression of and, just as obviously, the characters are one-dimensional and stereotypical. In addition, the action is unnecessarily unpredictable.

That said, 21 Bridges offers some hefty, well-choreographed, action scenes, great filmed night hunting through the streets of New York and a compelling performance by Chadwick “Black Panther” Boseman. We will pass by Sienna Miller’s hopeless character and acting in silence.

Do not expect a masterpiece of an action movie, but certainly a worthwhile movie to kill a few hours on a rainy summer evening. 3 faint stars.