Movie Review - Street Kings

Keanu Reeves stars as Detective Tom Ludlow. Detective Ludlow is a dirty cop who plays by his own set of rules. He has zero problems with killing criminals, with no intention of ever arresting them, and he routinely drinks on the job. His unit consists of Captain Jack Wander, portrayed by Forest Whitaker, and other members that do dirty deeds. Captain Wander personally keeps Ludlow out of trouble and considers him the most valuable part of the team.

After Ludlow takes care of some Korean thugs, in possession of two kidnapped twins, he is confronted by Internal Affairs Captain Biggs, played by none other then House’s Hugh Laurie. He asks him standard questions about what went down and why Ludlow didn’t request for backup.

Shortly thereafter, Ludlow is told that his former partner, Terrence Washington, has gone forward about some past dealings and this has sparked an investigation against him. Both men already had a strained relationship and this infuriates Ludlow. Captain Wander tells him to stay away from Washington at all costs.

Of course, Ludlow is hardheaded and follows Washington to a convenient store to rough him up. As he waits for him outside, two gangbangers pull up to the store and this causes Ludlow to track Washington down inside. Washington is ultimately gunned down and the shooters escape. This brings much suspicion against Ludlow. From here, he goes on a personal quest to find the shooters, against the wishes of his unit, and to clear his name.

Street Kings is an extremely violent film that tries to emulate Training Day, which is a much better movie. Considering it was directed by Training Day screenwriter David Ayer, that comparison comes very easily. It centers around a gritty and dark environment with morally ambiguous characters.

What Street Kings ultimately doesn’t have going for it is the characters. I don’t think there was a single likable person throughout. Everyone was dirty and they all had their own agenda in mind. Keanu Reeves plays such a despicable character that I really couldn’t root for him. On top of that, the story is utterly lifeless and predictable. This is probably the least interesting crime drama I’ve seen recently. Violence and action junkies will get their fill. Everyone else will find nothing redeeming. The rest is a bland and uninspired affair.