Summary
- Crescent City
seems to reflect the psychology of its main character — angry, sexist, unlikable, and ridiculous. But its moments of violence are well-done and genuinely effective. - Despite a grim whodunit plot and some genuine tension, this crime mystery is deflated by the many fake-outs and red herrings it teases along the way.
- Alec Baldwin is extremely fun, and Nicky Whelan does her best, but everyone else is lifeless in this icky, bland movie.
After watching “Crescent City,” it seems like the filmmakers have taken a page out of the main character’s playbook – angry, misogynistic, and utterly unlikable. The plot is a convoluted mess of red herrings, fake-outs, and an overabundance of testosterone that leaves you feeling icky and wanting to take a long shower.
I found Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of an intense Boston law enforcement figure in Martin Scorcese’s 2006 opus, “The Departed,” to be a surprisingly impactful moment. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Baldwin once again dons the agency badge, this time with a similarly fiery character. However, the resonance may not echo as strongly among film enthusiasts. With recent headlines surrounding his criminal trial linked to the 2021 “Rust” shooting incident, there’s undeniably an air of intrigue surrounding Baldwin’s latest role in “Crescent City,” now available for viewing.
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that there are moments in an actor’s career when they seem to be seeking opportunities, and that feeling is palpable in the film Crescent City. Directed by RJ Collins, this gritty whodunit may not distinguish itself among countless cop thrillers, but it’s intriguing to see Alec Baldwin back on screen.
Crescent City May Like Its Awful Characters Too Much
The title of the movie suggests the small, somber town in the south where the plot unfolds. Although attention may be drawn towards Oscar nominees Howard and Baldwin due to their recent successes, it appears that the character of Luke Carson, played by Esai Morales, was intended to take center stage. In this film, Howard’s role is more of a supporting one, as Brian Sutter. Given that Morales is the main character and the story mirrors his personality, one might conclude that this movie seems to champion rather than criticize such men.
Morales notices that Carson’s behavior towards his peers is crass and sexist, and he often associates with women at seedy bars and clubs. Given this, it’s hardly shocking that he remains composed when their team encounters a gruesome scene during the day: a headless body found inside a car.
In a unique attempt to set apart “Crescent City” from the multitude of intense cop dramas, director Collins incorporates shocking, graphically violent scenes rated R for mature audiences. These unexpectedly gruesome moments create an unsettling discomfort that leaves viewers on edge. The story begins with a mysterious character attending a lavish house party at a mansion, only to be offered a drugged drink by a sex worker who subsequently slits his throat. Yikes! As the body count rises, it’s up to Carson and Sutter to identify the killer. Could they be dealing with a Satanist or a cruel woman?
Nicky Whelan Valiantly Tries but Fails to Make This Movie Likable
Clues guide the pair towards a church overseen by a pastor with good intentions but questionable actions (portrayed by Michael Sirow). Yet, it might be another fruitless pursuit. To counteract the excessive testosterone among the team, Captain Howell (Baldwin) enlists the aid of Jaclyn Waters, an Australian newcomer (played by Nicky Whelan), adding a bit of balance. However, Carson persists in demeaning her, even though he seems to develop feelings for her. The way Waters responds to his behavior adds an uncomfortable layer to the situation.
In the relationship of Carson and Waters, there’s an unsettling vibe that permeates throughout Crescent City. It’s as if watching a highly explicit late-night movie on Cinemax, where sensuality and violence are exaggerated for shock value. The film seems to derive its excitement from catering to specific audiences’ cravings for lust and brutality, yet these elements often lack coherence within the characters or logical reasoning. Scenes that should be intimate between two characters feel inappropriate given their character development and emotional bonds. To put it frankly, Crescent City makes no secret about its target audience – individuals who enjoy such content as a casual distraction, like divorced men, drug dealers, or fraternity members.
Whodunit, Who Cares? But Baldwin Is a Blast
In Crescent City, a palpable suspicion hangs over everyone as they all become potential suspects in these gruesome, unsolved murders. Could it be someone within the department? That’s why an outsider like Waters was summoned. As the city’s panic escalates to a boiling point, long-buried secrets of the main characters resurface, leading to so many false leads and deceiving twists that they become frustratingly frequent. The question remains: why is it taking so long for the authorities to apprehend this serial killer? Carson and Sutter’s superior isn’t content, providing Baldwin ample opportunity to display his anger in his brief scenes.
Honestly, a 90-minute movie centering on Baldwin putting the dimwitted Howard and Morales personas in their place would have been a more entertaining end result. Baldwin’s scenes are perhaps the most entertaining, since 99% of the dialogue involves him hotly disciplining and ridiculing the crooked cops, with his signature brand of humor occasionally shining through. It’s like a VOD crime thriller twist on his Glengarry Glen Ross character.
In Baldwin’s exceptional performance, you might find yourself eagerly asking for more, as Morales and Howard seem a bit rigid in this particular production, appearing to offer only a single act. However, we all know that both actors have a broader range, especially since Morales has explored numerous crime- and police-themed projects throughout his career, taking on captivating roles across the spectrum of law enforcement (such as NCIS: LA, Ozark, Chicago P.D.). Alas, it’s time to move on, Lionsgate. The film Crescent City is now available in theaters, on demand, and digital platforms. You can stream it on YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, or Prime Video via the link provided below: [Link to Crescent City]
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2024-08-17 07:01