![\"Triple9\"](\"http:\/\/filmgaze.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Triple9.jpg\")
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Cue dirty cops, jobbing criminals and Russian gangsters; it\u2019s latter-day US crime thriller time, just as you expect it. Although this might be a great comfort for many, Triple 9<\/em> 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<\/em> (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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Atwood recruits inside help, dirty detectives Marcus Belmont (Anthony Mackie) and Franco Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr.) into his gang \u2013 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\u2019s (Woody Harrelson) nephew.<\/p>\n As expected, we are introduced to the heist plan and the players –\u00a0all set in the grimmest, moodiest\u00a0environment, where the line between good and bad is so blurred, no one is trustworthy. So far, it\u2019s 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<\/em> holds no punches here, and will satisfy and immerse you in the bleakest of urban surroundings.<\/p>\n The problems are the lackluster writing, coupled with the casting. Although the latter is impressive, certain members seem to be vying for \u2018credible accent of the year award\u2019. Brit Ejiofor comes off the best, but it\u2019s Winslet\u2019s Russian one that brings on the giggles \u2013 complete with bouffant hairdo \u2013 rather than fear, cheapening the shadowy setting the film-makers have worked hard to produce. She\u2019s a classic Slavic film caricature in this, however you dress it up \u2013 as is willowy Fast and Furious<\/em>‘s Gal Gadot as sexy sister Elena. Thank goodness for Affleck and cop drama veterans like Harrelson (True Detective<\/em>) who bring the status quo back on track.<\/p>\n Both of the latter do a fine job \u2013 as expected \u2013 with Harrelson feeling like he has to do the lion\u2019s 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 \u2018moral compass\u2019.<\/p>\n And there it is. There is little else of memorable substance to Triple 9<\/em>, although it\u2019s perfectly watchable, complete with gory and impressive action set-pieces too. It\u2019s certainly not all bad, but could be far darker and daring in story and spirit than just its cinematography.<\/p>\n 2\/5 stars<\/strong><\/p>\n By @FilmGazer<\/p>\n