Like movies about CIA espionage in the Middle East, stories about corrupt cops seem to be everywhere. It's unfortunate when these genres become so prevalent because it dilutes their effectiveness and becomes a challenge for anything new to be brought to the table. "Pride and Glory", starring Edward Norton and Colin Farrell, is the latest entry in this ever growing litany. Once again, we have a multi-generational family of New York cops mixed up in nefarious dealings with drug runners, shake-downs for money and even the murders of other cops. Norton plays Ray Tierney, who is assigned by his father (Jon Voight) to the task force investigating the slaughter of 4 policemen. Though Ray is reluctant to take on the assignment, he digs in with determination and intelligence only to uncover an increasingly disturbing trail of corruption that may lead to a member of his own family. Ray's brother Francis (Noah Emmerich), who is in charge of the unit in which the murdered police officers worked, and his brother-in-law Jimmy (Colin Farrell), also a police officer, are just two of the pieces in this complicated puzzle. Also figuring into the action are a multitude of various out of control cops-on-the-take (John Ortiz is a stand-out) and Francis' cancer stricken wife (Jennifer Ehle). As Ray moves closer to exposing the truth, loyalties to family clash with duty and honor on the job, making for an explosive finale.
It took me a little while to sort out the players and figure out exactly what was involved with the scenario of the murdered cops, especially since much of the action is fast and brutal. In fact, here's a warning: This movie contains several intensely violent scenes, so those who are bothered by such things (I am not) might want to avoid seeing it, or at least be forewarned. It's always a pleasure to see such a stellar cast turn in their usual excellent work, even if the storyline doesn't really offer anything too fresh. Along with some truly disturbing scenes and situations there are also a few too many shoot-outs and beatings that don't add anything vital. Perhaps I wouldn't have such a mixed reaction to this movie if it didn't involve such an overused premise. While it's certainly worth seeing, it lacks the spark that makes other films in this genre (such as "L.A. Confidential", "Prince of the City", "Serpico") classics.
Things to love about this movie: Terrific performances from everyone; good use of sound effects (the rumbling of the overhead trains never seemed so ominous as here)
Things to hate about this movie: One too many catastrophic problems (does Francis' wife need to by dying of cancer on top of everything else he has to deal with?)
Pleasant surprises: There is an explanation given for the nasty scar on Ray's face; Francis' tender scenes with his wife
Unpleasant surprises: An unforgettable scene featuring Jimmy, a baby and a hot iron (though unpleasant, it was highly effective)
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The previews left me with mixed feelings about seeing this movie. As you indicated, it is an overused premise. But your review, as is often the case, convinced me to put it on my "to see" list for this week.
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