16 Blocks (2006)

Sadly Over-hyped

Excellent but underrated film

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Although someone could consider this movie simple-minded, action- packed entertainment to watch when bored another viewer could consider this movie to be a well-crafted drama with suspense, tension and great acting. Considering that Mos Def is actually more trained in rapping than acting he actually gives a very good performance that matches the realistic wackiness of the character he is playing without misunderstanding any of the traits and in my opinion he gives a better performance than Bruce Willis. Bruce Willis may be a much more major figure in the film industry despite his downfall ever since Cop Out, but he actually gives a performance that seems underwhelming compared to Mos Def's performance because Bruce Willis mostly plays his own character in real life, but despite that they both share great chemistry in the movie. Mos Def plays a criminal and Bruce Willis plays a policeman and together they develop a subtle friendship throughout the movie much like the friendship between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon film series and I really enjoyed that. Overall if you like both dramas and action movies then I think you'll enjoy this movie but it isn't a movie you'll be thinking about through the ages though.

Solid Bruce Willis action film has Bruce as a limping over-the-hill detective who finds himself asked to do a favor transporting a prisoner just sixteen blocks to the courthouse. Instead, he finds himself under siege for said sixteen blocks and caught up in a web of criminals, dirty cops, and conspiracies. For as simple and clichéd a plot here, the script seemed quite overwrought and a tad too self-serious for what is essentially an update of Clint Eastwood's "The Gauntlet," but despite a weak script, the film is solidly directed by veteran action direction Richard Donner ("Lethal Weapon," "Superman," "Ladyhawke," "The Goonies") and Bruce gives a strong performance as always. Not a classic, but still better than the bombastic 4th and 5th "Die Hard" films.

This movie is one of those special occurrences that happens rarely. Yes, it's a Bruce Willis movie - and yes it's packed full of action/suspense - but what's unique about this film is the performances given by Willis, Def and especially David Morse. Willis is not his usual buff self with unearthly capabilities, but a real man with real problems. Mos Def plays the stereotypical five-time loser - BUT has a big heart and REAL motivation to change for the better. Every movie like this needs an audience captivating villain that makes everything gel - and gives the main characters credence in everything they do. David Morse is that man. David has been in several movies, but is rarely recognized for the influential roles he brings to life. There always a few actors in Hollywood that are key to successful films, but never see the light of day in regards to recognition. David Morse is one of those actors. He shines in this movie as the "bad cop". Everything he does in the movie is top notch. He really plays the role well - and makes you believe every moment. He's the catalyst that gives Willis' character credence.A great, intelligent film. I highly recommend it. The buddy relationship that forms between Def and Willis is special.

I almost gave up on this movie after about 15 minutes because of the annoyance of Mos Def's voice. What was up with that!? By the end this became an okay crime drama as Bruce Willis plays a burnt out (alcoholic) NYPD detective escorting a small-time crook the (16 blocks) to a grand-jury session.Willis is impressive with his burnt-out-edness. His character does not resemble any kind of action hero here; unfit, overweight, unattractive, shuffling, gasping for a drink. Well done. And while I like David Morse his character was a bit over-the-top. I mean, I get that they're crooked cops but really, shooting wildly into a crowded NY street and a bus full of civilians. Did the bad cops think they were completely above the law or any repercussions? That they could just do whatever they wanted without consequence? Reminded me a bit of that opening scene with Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L Jackson from "The Other Guys" except that was a comedy. I will say that this grew on me by the end though. 06.13