City of Lies

I came across this movie by chance while searching for something to watch. I wasn't expecting much, given the rating, but I got pleasantly surprised.

This is a solid movie, with great acting and an interesting and engaging story. I'm not from the US and I'm not really into rap, so I can't speak for the accuracy from a historical standpoint. But it was very entertaining. More like a 7.5 in my opinion. So if you had any doubts, watch it, you won't regret it.

I won´t go into details of the plot, since it can be found in the description of the movie. Whitaker is outstanding in this movie imo. His natural performance and presence gives life and authenticity to the character of journalist Jack Jackson. Johnny Depp is a surprise. Playing the aging retired police officer Russell Poole, his performance is well balanced, reduced and dedicated to capture the truth of Poole´s ambition and motivation. Whitaker and Depp harmonize, and it shows in the dialogues between Jackson and Poole. Two outstanding actors in an ambitioned movie about a timeless subject: finding truth in a swamp of lies.

This Movie had some impact on me. The Movie actually mainly accounts to the Death of Notorious B.I.G.

Harsh in realism, but full of passion by 2 great actors.

Harsh from the beginning , to imagine LAPD Cops acting like Straight Up Ballers.

I know Depp and Whitaker could have done better, but still I give their Passion as actors a 10, I see in this Movie, they where both affected by this never solved (hi)story. The Movie can feel slow, but it's merely to show how this Detective got caught up in this corrupted murder puzzle. Also great acting from Shea Whigham ! Definitely...a Must See!

I never write reviews but this movie had heart and soul behind it. Well acted and very detailed. Politics and ties to real life people are why I believe it was shelved and not given the proper release it deserved. It could have been a little better but it's heart was in the right place.

Watching this movie, you can't help but wonder how far from the truth the events you're watch really are..? After watching it, I undertook some google couch investigation into some of the names and events. Having been in my late teens during the Tupac/Biggy shootings I was pretty familiar with the happenings and headlines at the time and this movie is pretty much true to form in timeline, events, and players. It is a shame that it was shelved. Deserves better...