Maleek Mayers

Christian Bale's performance is one of his best of his career. Rosamund Pike's performance is arguably on the same level as her performance in "Gone Girl". The visuals are absolutely stunning. The score is impeccable; it keeps me engaged and immersed into the film's atmosphere. Sometimes the film is slow. The sheer violence is very realistic to the time period. The shoot-outs are very tense and lively. It does not disappoint with the flawlessly executed ending. It is one of the most beautiful film endings I have ever seen. It brings everything to a smooth close. The transformation of Christian Bale's character is one to marvel at. The film's underlying messages are delivered well, without feeling preachy. They are flat out inspiring.I am very pleased that I got the opportunity to witness a masterful piece of storytelling.

RATING: 4.2/5 | GREAT FILM: I RECOMMEND I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The story is too real. The casting directors got it right on this one. The acting is phenomenal. This is one of Meagan Good's top 3 performances in my opinion. Larenz Tate is charming as the charismatic gang leader Deuces. He is also calculating, cautious, and meticulous. Lance Gross had me all sorts of confused (in a good way) with his struggle to do his job, look out for Deuces, and his sister simultaneously. I was so happy when I saw Rick Gonzalez. I remember him from "Coach Carter". He NEEDS to be in more films! He is a very gifted actor. A great big shout-out to Curtis Bryant and Jamal Hill for writing such a scintillating and spicy screenplay. Everything flows. There are no plot holes. Nothing is given away before it happens. The interactions between Deuces and Janet are raw, realistic, and emotional. Also, you guys did not waste our time on police jargon, and got straight to the point. And in the end, the story comes full circle with a very satisfying ending. In addition, the soundtrack is impressive, I have to say. A great mix of classics and some modern music. The cinematography is beautiful. Every scene is captured just right. I LOVE the montages! However, some characters, I would have liked to have seen more of; or at least felt their presence more. Some subplots or character motivations were brushed off too quickly in my opinion. SPOILER ALERT I like how Deuces does not let "Maurice" into the gang so easily. This is also very realistic; oftentimes, many crime dramas omit this reality. Some subplots or character motivations were brushed off to quickly in my opinion. Right at the beginning, we find out that Jason's older brother, who was also a cop, died. I would have liked to have seen moments of grief or mourning; eg. visiting his grave, maybe with Janet; eg. looking at old pictures or videos of his brother, etc. There could have also been more moments with him and Janet. I feel that these moments could have added more depth to Jason's character. I was heart-broken when I saw Diggs go down. It was a sad, but necessary moment. I wished we could have seen more of Detective Diaz; she had a lot to say. Plus, she was the only one Jason was listening to. Lt. Henderson was a solid character, but I would have liked for him to have been fleshed out more. I love the ending. It is satisfying when Face gets what was coming to him. I like how Deuces survives and gets to be with Janet. I also like how Jason closes that chapter of his life; which was matched perfectly by the narrator saying "Things aren't always what they seem". However, I would have liked to see Deuces and Jason have one last bro moment together.

A MUST WATCH! It's full of timeless music rich with emotion that adds to the story. The bromance between Bheem and Ram is awesome! The action, the drama, the fight scenes, the dance-offs, the animals... all of it is ridiculously entertaining! The ending perfectly wraps everything together. This is an absolute masterclass in filmmaking — writing, performances, camera work, editing, score, vfx, etc! I'd watch this over and over again. You won't be bored for a second! 10/10