the little things

      

     Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto star in this police "thriller". Apparently, the script for this film has been in development for years and It shows. The mood is dark trying hard to emulate "Seven" or Zodiac" but doesn't even come close. The whole thing seems like a bad outtake from "True Detective".

      It may be how his character is written but Mr. Washington appears to have shown up just to collect a paycheck. As for Mr. Malek, I don't understand the appeal anyway. Yes, he was fantastic as Freddie Mercury in a role he was born to play but where's the range? A pedestrian actor who had a hit T.V. show and one good movie doesn't put him anywhere near the orbit of Mr. Washington or even Mr. Leto. And speaking of Mr. Leto, he is easily the best thing about this film. He disappears into his creepy character, gets the best lines and is actually fun to watch.

    Written and directed by John Lee Hancock, the film strives to be greater than its parts but never rises above mediocrity. There are police procedures that are absurd and character motivations that make no sense. Two "twists" at the end help explain things but it's too little too late.

     A major disappointment.