Copshop (2021) Movie Review

Amidst the pandemic, director Joe Carnahan and actor-producer Frank Grillo have been quite productive, having unveiled their second film, "Copshop," since March. Unlike their previous film, "Boss Level," which had a sci-fi twist, "Copshop" is more realistic but still features the explosive action Carnahan is known for. The film follows Teddy Muretto (Grillo), a criminal who finds himself in danger from various people and decides that jail is the safest place for him. He gets himself arrested by assaulting police officer Valerie Young (Alexis Louder) during a drunken brawl at a casino wedding.

Valerie is a recent gun owner and wants her job to be more Wild West than it is. She is stationed in a quiet corner of Nevada and spends her free time relaxing by a remote burger truck with her sergeant before the D&D is called in. By the end of the film, she becomes a new action hero, but not before the arrival of Bob Viddick (Gerard Butler), a sober man who has concocted his smelly state to get close to Teddy. Viddick is ready to pass a sentence on Teddy, and his arrival sets off a chain of events that lead to a thrilling shootout.

The film's suspense is intriguing and played low-key for the first 50 minutes, which may surprise some viewers, as Carnahan's films are typically action-packed. However, this builds up to a wild and intense third act, with shoot-'em-ups that are consistently "whoa!"-eliciting. While the plot twists are not entirely unpredictable, they do not lack for intrigue.

One commendable aspect of "Copshop" is the inclusion of an African-American female character, Valerie, who goes toe-to-toe with two white male action movie icons, Teddy and Viddick. Carnahan could have easily messed up this idea, but he does not. Instead, he delivers a film that showcases a strong and capable female character who can hold her own against two dangerous men.

The film's cast is excellent, with Grillo and Butler delivering solid performances as the two main antagonists. Louder also shines as Valerie, bringing a level of intensity and believability to the role. Toby Huss's portrayal of a psycho killer is also noteworthy, bringing a level of creepiness and unpredictability to the character.

In terms of the film's visuals, Carnahan's direction is superb, with his signature explosive action sequences being a highlight of the film. The film's setting, a small police precinct, is also well-utilized, adding a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere to the film's third act.

In conclusion, "Copshop" is a thrilling action movie with a familiar setup that still manages to surprise and entertain. Director Joe Carnahan and actor-producer Frank Grillo make a great team, delivering their second film together in just a few months. While "Boss Level" was a sci-fi action romp, "Copshop" is a more grounded crime thriller that still has plenty of explosive set-pieces.

The film's premise of a criminal seeking safety in a police station is not entirely new, but the way it plays out is fresh and engaging. Grillo's Teddy Muretto is a charming and dangerous protagonist, and Gerard Butler's Bob Viddick is a formidable foe. However, it's Alexis Louder's Valerie Young who steals the show, transforming from a bored small-town cop to a fierce action hero.

The supporting cast, including Toby Huss and Ryan O'Nan, is also excellent, adding depth and humor to the film. Carnahan's direction is tight and suspenseful, building to a climactic shootout that is both thrilling and satisfying. The film's themes of corruption and redemption are woven into the plot in a subtle yet effective way.

Overall, "Copshop" is a great addition to the action movie genre, delivering high-octane thrills while also exploring interesting characters and themes. It's a testament to Carnahan and Grillo's talent that they can make two such different films in such a short time and still deliver the goods. Fans of action movies should definitely check out "Copshop."