‘Righteous Kill’ Starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro Is the Best Thriller for ‘Dexter’ Fans

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As a lifelong fan of both Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, I was thrilled to see them team up once again in “Righteous Kill.” Having grown up watching their iconic performances in films like “The Godfather: Part II,” “Heat,” and “The Irishman,” I was eager to see what they would bring to this gritty, suspenseful drama.

Having spent my formative years in the bustling city streets of New York, much like the setting of “Righteous Kill,” I found myself drawn into the dark underbelly of the city that these two acting legends portrayed so masterfully. The film’s exploration of sex trafficking, child molestation, and the hypocrisy of religion hit close to home for me, as it mirrored some of the social issues I had witnessed growing up in the city.

What sets “Righteous Kill” apart from other films featuring these two heavyweights is its intellectual depth. Jon Avnet crafted a story that never feels contrived or overly action-oriented, which is a testament to his skill as a director. In a world where many directors would have leaned into the action and gangster tropes associated with De Niro and Pacino, Avnet chose instead to tackle serious social issues head-on.

Carla Gugino’s performance in “Righteous Kill” is nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to react convincingly to the intense situations she finds herself in is a testament to her skill as an actress. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson also delivers a memorable performance, adding another tough-guy role to his already impressive resume.

In terms of the long-standing trend of De Niro and Pacino’s characters hunting each other down, “Righteous Kill” continues that tradition. However, I must admit that I was left wanting more in this department. While their final confrontation is intense and well-acted, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of their previous collaborations.

Despite that, “Righteous Kill” remains a must-watch for fans of De Niro and Pacino. It’s a thoughtful, suspenseful drama that tackles serious issues with intelligence and grace. And as for the joke: I can’t help but wonder if De Niro and Pacino ever get tired of playing characters who end up killing each other in their films – maybe they should try a buddy comedy next time!

Dexter – a sharp critique of frequent mishaps in the legal system – continues to resonate powerfully today. For enthusiasts who relish intricate, sometimes bizarre characters, this series will endure forever. And it appears that things are looking up. The crime drama’s followers never anticipated such quality, given the less-than-satisfactory conclusion in its original run. The death of Debra and Dexter’s content ending in the finale left a bitter taste for fans. Moreover, the final season as a whole was generally criticized, scoring just 35% on Rotten Tomatoes (the lowest score for any season). Fortunately, the creative talents at Showtime have made significant strides to rectify these issues.

As a long-time fan of the original Dexter series, I was overjoyed when I heard about the revival, “Dexter: New Blood.” After the controversial ending that left many of us feeling unsatisfied, this new chapter has managed to bring back some of the charm and excitement that made the original show so beloved. The titular character’s death in the finale was a hard pill to swallow, but with “Dexter: Original Sin,” I can once again enjoy watching my favorite murderous vigilante in action.

But for those of us who can’t get enough of Dexter Morgan and his unique brand of justice within law enforcement circles, there is another option that deserves a watch: “Righteous Kill.” As someone who has spent years immersed in crime shows and movies, I can confidently say that this film delivers on the action, suspense, and intrigue that fans of Dexter crave. With its gritty portrayal of a pair of New York City detectives on the hunt for a serial killer, “Righteous Kill” is a must-see for any fan of the darker side of justice.

So if you’re looking to fill the void left by Dexter Morgan, give “Righteous Kill” a try and see if it can satisfy your craving for a complex antihero operating within the criminal justice system. Trust me, as someone who has been there, it won’t disappoint.

Someone Is Murdering Criminals in ‘Righteous Kill’

Straddling the line between actual events and dreamy musings, the present and the past, Righteous Kill presents a thoughtful yet straightforward storyline that teems with symbolic and metaphorical significance. Initially, it may appear as a typical detective tale revolving around justice, but beware of its deception. The narrative has been enriched by the writing skills of Russell Gewirtz, most notably known for Inside Man.

Initially, police psychologists scrutinize video clips of an individual who identifies himself as the enigmatic “Poetry Boy” murderer. For quite some time, Poetry Boy has been striving to rectify a flawed justice system that often lets violent criminals off on technicalities. His unconventional method? Quietly executing these criminals and placing brief poems at their crime scenes.

The film transports us back to the events that brought us to this point, featuring Detectives Thomas “Turk” Cowan (Robert De Niro) and David “Rooster” Fisk (Al Pacino), long-time NYPD partners who have navigated New York’s hectic alleyways for years. Their characters are captivating to observe, whether they’re critiquing their colleagues’ fashion or debating the intricacies of police work. Occasionally, Rooster’s innocent, trusting nature conflicts with Turk’s nonchalant sophistication, a dynamic often seen in buddy cop movies, but eventually, they find a resolution.

As the pair delves into a string of murders, suspicions arise among Turk’s peers about his involvement due to his exceptional marksmanship and questionable psychological assessments. Yet, new proof points towards Rooster as the potential perpetrator, causing an unexpected confrontation between the two friends. The truth about their guilt remains uncertain.

The Art of Vigilante Justice

As a seasoned crime novel enthusiast with a particular fondness for serial killer narratives, I find it intriguing how both Dexter and Poetry Boy elevate their heinous acts to the realm of artistry. Having delved into numerous psychological thrillers over the years, I must say that these two characters stand out as unique specimens in the genre’s landscape.

Dexter, with his meticulous approach to murder and his twisted sense of justice, reminds me of a darker version of a taxidermist or an antiquarian who collects precious artifacts. His blood slides, carefully preserved as trophies, serve as grim reminders of the lives he’s taken, yet they also hold a certain macabre allure that speaks to his twisted psyche. The way he refers to them as “friends” is chilling, showcasing the complex relationship between Dexter and the victims he claims.

Poetry Boy, on the other hand, takes a more overt approach in justifying his crimes through the written word. His taunting poems leave law enforcement officers baffled and partly enlightened as to why these gruesome acts occur. The way he weaves words to paint a vivid picture of the crime scene is nothing short of poetic, albeit with an underlying menace that chills you to the bone.

Both characters embody the duality of good and evil, showcasing how even the most monstrous among us can possess creative talents that defy comprehension. They serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked desires and twisted perspectives, but also remind us that there is a certain dark allure to their artistry. In many ways, they are the embodiment of the age-old question: “Is the artist not, in some measure, mad?

In both narratives, we find law enforcement officers pursuing enigmatic murderers, oblivious to the fact that one of their own is actually the perpetrator. Dexter Morgan serves as a blood splatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, contrasting with Poetry Boy who later turns out to be a detective. Interestingly, both stories delve into the imperfections within the criminal justice system. Regrettably, many dangerous criminals evade punishment, leaving vigilantes like these characters with no choice but to take matters into their own hands.

Spectators are encouraged to empathize with these characters, but it’s important to note that both characters do things that cannot be forgiven or rectified at some point in their stories. For instance, Dexter murders Deb, and Poetry Boy engages in a heinous act by sexually assaulting the lover of one of his dearest friends.

If you’re looking for another gripping story like “Dexter: Original Sin” since it won’t air until February, consider watching “Righteous Kill”. It offers a concise 101-minute thrill, packed with chilling moments and narrow escapes. Although the plot may not be as intricate as “Dexter”, the performances are captivating enough to make up for it. At times, the storyline takes a step back in favor of the cast’s intensity and skill, but this shouldn’t deter you. In addition to Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, stars like Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson deliver standout performances as a drug dealer, adding another layer to his collection of tough-guy roles, and Carla Gugino provides compelling evidence for why acting is often more about reacting than acting.

‘Righteous Kill’ Maintains a Major Trend in Al Pacino and Robert De Niro’s Collaborations

For the first time, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro shared the screen in a movie back in 1974. That film was “The Godfather: Part II”. In this epic saga, they portrayed father and son, with their roles taking place in different time periods. Al Pacino played Michael Corleone, skillfully expanding his father Vito’s criminal empire. De Niro, on the other hand, appeared in flashback sequences as Vito, filling big shoes left by Marlon Brando who had brilliantly portrayed the character in the first film. Both actors were nominated for Oscars for their performances, with De Niro taking home the award. Following this collaboration, they went on to star together in three more films: “Heat”, “Righteous Kill”, and “The Irishman”.

In contrast to “The Godfather: Part II,” which stands alone due to its separate timelines and lack of direct interaction between the actors, the remaining three films share a similar narrative structure. Specifically, in these movies, their characters pursue each other relentlessly, leading to one character ultimately taking the life of the other.

In the movies “Heat,” “The Irishman,” and “Righteous Kill,” it seems that Robert De Niro’s characters often find themselves at odds with Al Pacino’s. In “Heat,” their roles reverse, with Pacino’s cop shooting De Niro’s gangster after a famous airport chase. In “The Irishman,” De Niro takes out Pacino’s union boss for meddling with the mob. In “Righteous Kill,” they come into conflict again, but the details remain a secret. It appears that when these two acting legends share the screen, their characters rarely see eye to eye and don’t always live long if they do. Isn’t it a pity they can’t just get along?

Despite continuing the trend, Righteous Kill seems more intellectually profound. The movie carries a strong sense of purpose and avoids feeling forced or artificial. It tackles heavy topics like sex trafficking, child molestation, religious hypocrisy, and mental health issues directly. Unlike other directors who might have opted for an all-out action or gangster flick given the two lead actors’ reputations, Jon Avnet aims higher. This approach will undoubtedly be appreciated by fans of Dexter, as well as Robert De Niro and Al Pacino enthusiasts.

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2025-01-04 20:02