Righteous Kill Reviews

Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Mellisa Leo, Donnie Walhberg, and John Leguizamo. Good cast right, must be a good movie, WRONG! A movie that had so much potential falls really short. The movie had the easiest twist to figure out, I knew it the whole time. The script was absolutely terrible in every way. The good actors that I just listed could not have save this movie. The only good thing about the movie was it had some really cool parts, but it also had some parts that just dragged and dragged. The best part was Rob Dyrdek even though he didnt last long, the few lines he had he did really well.

When I first heard about this flick, that Robert De Niro and Al Pacino would finally work again together again more than 10 years after the legendary ‘Heat’, of course, I was excited and really eager to check the damned thing. Indeed, even though ‘Heat’ was really neat, De Niro and Pacino had only 1 or 2 scenes together which was rather frustrating and, with this movie, they would finally share some good screen time together. Unfortunately, the whole thing turned out to be rather disappointing. I mean, De Niro and Pacino were both pretty awesome and it was really neat to have them together but the story was nothing really interesting or original. Indeed, I thought it was rather lazy and the rather predictable twist at the end didn’t help either. At the end of the day, it seems that this collaboration just came too late in their career. Indeed, by now, both actors seem to have lost their sparkle and most of their recent movies were rather forgettable. If they would have made this in the 70’s or in the 80’s, when they were at the top of their game, it would have been probably pretty awesome but it wasn’t meant to be, I’m afraid. Anyway, to conclude, even though the whole thing was watchable, I think my rating is actually rather generous but I guess it is worth a look, at least, if you seriously lower your expectations.

 

I think everyone loves a good twist and turn in a plot as long as it is done well. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and looking forward to the end of the movie. This movie tries to do this also. There is a serial killer on the loose and our two veteran cops (Deniro and Pacino) are right on his or her heels. The plot moves forward and hints that one of our key players is the killer.

This plot line is designed to keep us guessing and waiting with anticipation to the end. Well it kept me guessing for about five minutes until I said this is way to easy to figure out. I guessed the killer early in the movie, but I still watched until the end. I liked the cast and thought they did a more than decent job carrying the movie. There is enough action and suspense to keep the average movie fan entertained. If you are critical of your movie watching and story lines, you may not get into this movie. If you are a fan of the cast like I am, you should be very well entertained. This movie is well worth a DVD rental or a cable TV viewing.

Flash

''Most people respect the badge. Everyone respects the gun.''

Two veteran New York City detectives work to identify the possible connection between a recent murder and a case they believe they solved years ago; is there a serial killer on the loose, and did they perhaps put the wrong person behind bars?

Robert De Niro: Turk

Al Pacino: Rooster

Two Cops. One Serial Killer. Which could be one of their own, a cop with a poetic streak.
Righteous Kill I was looking forward to seeing for a while . Featuring two legends, two respective seasoned Actors. Yes Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, who were good but I couldn't help but notice the aging. Sorry boys, but hey I sure wouldn't complain if they were both my grandads from both sides. Now boy there's a thought.

But anyway straying from the topic at hand. Righteous Kill begins a promising start with hotly paced creds and music to die for. We also get De Niro & Pacino popping some bullets at the shooting practice range, this had me hyped up for a start.
Righteous Kill proceeds to give us a plot that I wasn't expecting, one consisting of a cop who's a killer, who's taking the law into his own hands. The twist is that it's De Niro's Turk. But what concludes really bites the bullet and I won't spoil the proceedings my telling. It's a fascinating journey albeit a sometimes slow paced one. Granted there's some good male, female relationships between characters on show which ups factors in Righteous Kill.

''Nothing wrong with a little shooting, as long as the right people get shot.''

As well as the Two main attractions, the pairing of the Two Oldies, we have some fresh players in the form of Carla Gugino, Donnie Wahlberg, John Leguiezamo, Brian Denneley and smiley 50 Cent/Curtis Jackson giving an assorted cast.
Curtis manages to not do badly at acting, rather he smiles and stands around.
Carla Gugino shows a relationship that would be reminiscent of her dating grandad, her and De Niro cranks up the cringe factor.

''He's gonna kill again. You know it, and I know it.''

There wasn't as much action as anticipated, plus the plot wasn't what I expected. Righteous Kill's twist isn't easily guessed and the build up ends up being worth it mainly. The chemistry of Robert De Niro & Al Pacino is brilliant yet isn't as powerful as classic Heat but then again you cant replicate greatness they shared in that.

To conclude Righteous Kill doesn't offer anything relatively new but does deliver in giving a solid Cop study, action thriller of sorts.
Was also amazing to see on my Birthday, with friends Martin, Kiri and my sis Andre, aided by random commentary by me on certain parts. Amusing parts where we all laughed I liked alot also.
I would definitely watch again, with the added ability to fast forward areas. Director Jon Avnet aims for right between the eyes but manages to miss the mark by a tad. Overall Righteous Kill ends up being a righteous effort.

''You don't become a cop because you want to serve and protect. You join the force because they let you carry a gun and a badge. You do it because you get respect.''

I can not even begin describing how excited I was for this film's release. I was waiting for it for months and months. I was expecting a classic De Niro/Pacino Blockbuster Gem, but it was anything but that. Yes, there were several entertaining to watch scenes, and the acting from both legends was great, with some great original lines, but that does not do this film justice. It was very predictable, and pretty much like most other cop thrillers out there, except this one had many more flaws mixed in throughout. I know I am cutting this review short, and the reason for that is because I am a little rusty seeing as in I have not written a review in weeks, and frankly there is not much more to say about this film.

Pros: acting, a couple classic lines, great duo.

Cons: bad story, predictable, cheesy

5.0/10