16 Blocks

Today’s quick review: 16 Blocks.  A washed-up cop, Bruce Willis, comes off duty only to find that he has to transport a witness, Mos Def, 16 blocks to the courthouse to stand witness.  But after a failed attempt on the Def’s life by corrupt police officers, it becomes clear that he was never meant to make it to trial.  Willis must confront his own checkered past as he races to get Def across town in time to testify.  The movie is an excellent thriller with a strong emotional heart.  Neither Willis nor Def is particularly likeable at first—Def is overly talkative and possibly dishonest, while Willis is tired and jaded—but their shared peril reveals hidden depths to their characters.  16 Blocks is a cleanly-executed thriller with an excellent plot progression that’s centered around a pair of deep, well-acted characters.  Watch it when you’re in the mood for drama, tension, and a smattering of action.  6.6 out of 10 on IMDB.