The Mod Squad


Starring: Claire Danes, Omar Epps, Giovanni Ribisi, Dennis Farina, Josh Brolin, Steve Harris, Michael Lerner, Eddie Griffin (cameo)
Directed by: Scott Silver
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:
Three young criminals: Julie (Claire Danes), Pete (Giovanni Ribisi), and Linc (Omar Epps) are given a second chance, working for the cops undercover. However, as they probe a possible drug crime, their boss ends up dead, and slowly they unravel a plot involving drugs, prostitution, and corrupt cops.
Review:

Tim: This film was horrible. You'd think with three bright actors like Epps, Ribisin, and Danes, that you'd have tremendous chemistry and decent acting between them. However, in this film, the trio of young stars couldn't act scared if you dropped them off a cliff. Epps, who I previously had great respect for, is the worst here. Whenever he has to act pissed off about his car getting scratched or something, you can almost see him rolling his eyes as he effortlessly goes through his lines, showing his dislike for the awful writing.

The film does have an occasional bright spot, but they are few and far between. The plot unravels slowly, is muddy, and oftentimes makes no sense to the viewer, or to the actors on screen. The film is supposed to be slick and stylish, but instead, it is downright tacky. The idea for the film is decent enough, as the television series was nominated for Emmys, and was a big hit. However, it seemed as if in the transition from television to the big screen, the producers and directors just slapped the film together without any thought or effort.

Furthermore, the film is supposed to be an action film. About all the action you'll see is a few moments at the end of the film during the climatic scene (which is downright pathetic), and the height of the action during the movie is when the trio sit in a car waiting for someone to show up, and Danes says, "Is this all cops do, sit around and wait?" and Epps replies, "We can go get some donuts." Danes hit the nail on the head. Maybe real cops sit around in cars and wait for people, but that's not what we want to see when we watch a movie. Most people see films to be entertained... someone should have reminded everyone involved in this film of that.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 4.5



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