Review: Street Kings is understandably an under-marketed, underrated film. Why? At first glance, the impression from the trailer is nothing more than any other cop movie with a common conspiracy plotline and predictable corruptible characters. Gawds, we have seen more than our fair share of such movies. What makes Street Kings different from the other movies of the same genre is the underlying themes, the brilliant performance of the actors and the apparent disregard of human life.

It may seem like a movie that too much senseless violence but I felt that the entire atmosphere of chaotic degradation - drug trafficking, porn, kidnapping, racial discrimination - believable. When we think of places in America like Detriot, such acts are everyday common occurance. In essence, Street Kings gives you a reality check for those of us who live in ignorant bliss.

Forest Whitaker has always been one of my A-list actors since I watched The Last King of Scotland. Keanu Reeves was a pleasant surprise. Since Speed, I never felt that Reeves had any breath taking performances. The Matrix trilogy does not count. However, the cop in Street Kings does resembles the cop in Speed. Despite that, I marvelled at his cemented anger and the callousness at which he disposed of the villains.

Great movie. Must watch!