16 Blocks is a great movie. I have only one complaint, but I’m going to hide it in the middle of the article so that you don’t remember it. And besides, the problem is so minuscule that you should go see the movie anyway.
Bruce Willis plays Jack Mosley, a burnt-out cop that cares more for the contents of his paper bag than his job. The movie begins as he is finishing off his night shift by having a crap assignment dumped in his lap. After fighting a losing battle, Jack gets in his car to pick up a supposedly small-time criminal that is escorted to the court house. This small-time criminal, named Eddie Bunker (Mos Def), turns out to be a key witness in a trial against a number of police officers, which creates many problems in Jack’s “simple” assignment.
The action begins with Mosley taking a booze break spurred by Eddie’s incessant talking. As promised, here is my one complaint: The constant babbling of Eddie gets a little old because, at some points, his statements are incomprehensible. He tends to mumble and slur the dialogue, which was in character; however, it was a little overdone. There we go, that’s my only gripe.
During this alcohol extravaganza, a would-be assassin walks up to the car and points a gun in Eddie’s face, but is shot by Jack, just in the nick of time. This action continues for much of the movie, including a very Speed-esque bus chase scene.
The constant struggle for Jack throughout the movie, though, is trying to believe that people can change. He believes that it isn’t possible, but Eddie is doing everything in his power to prove him wrong. As the movie progresses, Jack slowly sways and becomes a believer in second chances, which provides some comic relief for the film. To go along with the comedy, a secret comes out, which changes the outcome of the movie in a way that I never saw coming. Unfortunately for you, you’ll have to see it to find out.
16 Blocks is a solid film with good action and the struggle of two men to change into better people. Directed by Richard Donner (Free Willy, the Lethal Weapon series and Superman), I recommend that you spend your $9 here and enjoy a great movie.
