Triple 9 **
Cue dirty cops, jobbing criminals and Russian gangsters; it’s latter-day US crime thriller time, just as you expect it. Although this might be a great comfort for many, Triple 9 ought to be using far more of its exceptional ensemble cast in something a little off the beaten/well-worn track. Director John Hillcoat (Lawless (2012)) and debut feature writer Matt Cook have squandered their chance to show their full potential here, as they hit all the right tropes. It just goes to show how writing experience matters.
Career criminal Michael Atwood (Chiwetel Ejiofor) just wants to do one last job as he has a kid son. He has no choice as he’s tied up with/related to Russian gangsters, headed by matriarch Irina Vlaslov (Kate Winslet). He must storm a police HQ that holds some vital documents Vlaslov needs to help release her Russian mobster lover from prison.
Atwood recruits inside help, dirty detectives Marcus Belmont (Anthony Mackie) and Franco Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr.) into his gang – that includes hapless Welch brothers, Gabe (Aaron Paul) and Russel (Norman Reedus). To create a diversion, they plan to kill a cop. Detective Chris Allen (Casey Affleck) is new on the turf and their prime target. After all, he is the boss, Jeffrey Allen’s (Woody Harrelson) nephew.
As expected, we are introduced to the heist plan and the players – all set in the grimmest, moodiest environment, where the line between good and bad is so blurred, no one is trustworthy. So far, it’s pretty much by the numbers. It is intriguing to see the depths the film-makers will go to make their production grittier than the last. Triple 9 holds no punches here, and will satisfy and immerse you in the bleakest of urban surroundings.
The problems are the lackluster writing, coupled with the casting. Although the latter is impressive, certain members seem to be vying for ‘credible accent of the year award’. Brit Ejiofor comes off the best, but it’s Winslet’s Russian one that brings on the giggles – complete with bouffant hairdo – rather than fear, cheapening the shadowy setting the film-makers have worked hard to produce. She’s a classic Slavic film caricature in this, however you dress it up – as is willowy Fast and Furious‘s Gal Gadot as sexy sister Elena. Thank goodness for Affleck and cop drama veterans like Harrelson (True Detective) who bring the status quo back on track.
Both of the latter do a fine job – as expected – with Harrelson feeling like he has to do the lion’s share of the work in keeping an air of mystery. Allen Senior is one of those wonderful cop drama characters with a colourful record and boundless opportunity to veer off at a tangent, so they really thrive in this story. Sadly, all Affleck can do is stick to being the ‘moral compass’.
And there it is. There is little else of memorable substance to Triple 9, although it’s perfectly watchable, complete with gory and impressive action set-pieces too. It’s certainly not all bad, but could be far darker and daring in story and spirit than just its cinematography.
2/5 stars
By @FilmGazer
