Director James Gray probably thought it was a good idea to draw inspiration from the hugely successful ‘The Departed’, and has made his own cops-and-robbers feature. Alongside, actors like Marky Mark, Robert Duvall and Joaquin Phoenix are doing their best to make this movie fly. It fails miserably.

Phoenix (as Robert Green) is the manger of a popular nightclub in Brooklyn, with ties to the local russian mob. It seems to me that russians are the favourite bad guys nowadays, mostly because they are an easy target politically, but also because of their alleged ruthlessness. The club becomes an area of interest to the NY police, as drugs are being traded inside. Robert’s brother and father are both on the force, and tries to pressure him into being their informant. He refuses, and the police takes action in the shape of a razzia. They arrest both the suspect, Vadim Nezhinski, and Robert (for possession). Vadim is the nephew of Buzhayev, the club’s owner.

The police have to let Vadim go, as they hold no evidence against him, and the russian revenge suddenly hits Robert’s brother; police captain Joseph Grusinsky. He is shot in the face outside his home, and barely survives. Robert feels guilty for not having helped catching Vadim, and joins the force as an undercover agent. He’s supposed to wear a wire as he inspects Vadims drug operation, but everything goes wrong. Soon Robert has to rely on the police for his own safety, but the russian mob seeks revenge.

Thats pretty much the storyline, and it might sound exciting and all – but it’s really not. A police thriller does not have room for boring, lengthy segments about love relationships, but worst of all is the lack of credibility. It’s not believable. A drug-addict joining the force just because he’s related to policemen? Thats truly unique. Not to mention some very pompous and operatic moments. You really can’t be bothered to worry whether the characters on the screen live or die. For the love of God, Hollywood, stop wasting my time! 3/10