16 Blocks

Starring: Bruce Willis, Mos Def, David Morse,
Directed by: Richard Donner
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Thriller
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An aging cop (Bruce Willis) is assigned to transport a fugitive (Mos Def) sixteen blocks. What is doesn't know is that the fugitive is going to testify against the police force, and the entire force wants him dead. Now, the cop must decide whether to betray his friends to protect a criminal from being murdered.

Review:

Tim: I hate that Bruce Willis keeps making these action movies that don't necessarily offer much new, but are just too damn enjoyable not to like. At this point in his career, Willis knows action films better than he knows himself. He draws on his extensive experience, adding some new elements to his performance, and comes up with an entertaining performance. Like Hostage, 16 Blocks is a small action film that doesn't show us much nor or different, but tells its story well enough for us to be thoroughly entertained. I would have liked a little more originality and for the movie to try and be a little better, but as is, it is a good action flick, and I can't penalize it too much- it is what is is.

Willis is fairly enjoyable in the role. He isn't the typical action hero, and that is refreshing, even if Willis doesn't normally play the "typical" hero. Even better than Willis is Mos Def. He hasn't acted too much, but I have thoroughly enjoyed him every time I've seen him. I am happy to say that the streak continues here. He is very fun to watch, especially in interacting with Willis. These two men work well together and are able to fuel the movie with their chemistry.

16 Blocks doesn't set out to break any barriers or offer a new adaptation to the action film genre. This is a small action film that will be quickly forgotten in the maelstrom of movies rolling out of Hollywood. For those that do see this film, they will find a solid film that will keep you interested. While better films can seek to open up the genre, this one can sit idly by, offering up only a decent time for an hour or so. That is not necessarily bad.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Hostage, Die Hard, Sin City, The Siege