‘Street Kings’
Writer James Ellroy (‘L.A. Confidential’, ‘The Black Dahlia’) delivers another gripping, dirty cop movie, this time set on the tough streets of modern day Los Angeles.

Tom Ludlow (Keanu Reeves) is a veteran LAPD vice detective, still reeling over the death of his wife, finding comfort only in a bottle of vodka, and his work. Ludlow is a loose cannon, struggling to control himself, and sees no harm in putting away criminals in whatever fashion he deems necessary, no matter the consequences.

When evidence implicates him in the execution of a fellow officer, he is forced to fight the corrupt cop culture he’s always been a part of, and to question the actions and intentions of those closest to him

.‘Street Kings’ is a hard-hitting, violent movie and pulls no punches when it comes to depicting Ludlow’s life and blasé attitude to killing those, he decides don’t deserve to live. It is a powerful performance by Reeves, who has aged since we last saw him in a leading role, and finally has a sort of lived-in, worn-out look about him.

The supporting cast is excellent, with Forrest Whitaker, as Ludlow’s long-time friend and unit commander, and Hugh Laurie as the police Captain investigating allegations into police corruption, both standouts.

The story unfolds with wonderful pacing, a sense of urgency and a good twist thrown in for good measure, which most will see coming, but nonetheless satisfies.
4 out of 5

‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’
Heartbroken Peter (Jason Segel) takes a Hawaiian holiday to try get over his recent split from his TV star girlfriend, Sarah (Kristen Bell). Unbeknownst to either, they both end up heading to the same resort, only she has brought along her new boyfriend, pompous British rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand).

‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ is the latest film from producer Judd Apatow, who has had recent smash hits with ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’, ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘Superbad’. Unfortunately, the law of diminishing returns is at work here, and while never quite reaching the heights of his previous efforts, there are worse ways to kill a couple of hours.

The standout here is Russell Brand in his first Hollywood major supporting role. He steals almost every scene he’s in, and is the polar opposite of the charisma void that is Jason Segel. The audience never really cares about Peter, and perhaps in the hands of a more gifted actor, ‘Sarah Marshall’ may have been more memorable.

Still though, there are enough laughs to keep it boiling over, but this movie would be best left for a DVD rental on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
2.5 out of 5