Review of Triple 9 (2016) by Tazio G — 01 Mar 2016

Triple 9 certainly fits the criteria to be a modern day classic (stacked cast, credible director, cops and robbers plot), but unfortunately, too much of the storytelling remains undeveloped and by the numbers to capture the same heights of all time classics like Heat or say, The Departed. Now rather than simply compare and contrast, Triple 9 gets the most out of its cast and handling of tone and atmosphere overall. The world building and usage of of Atlanta as the backdrop paints a morally ambiguous and gritty landscape to portray each of the characters within. It's a painfully realistic depiction of the ugly side of society filled with crime, drug addicts, poverty, and complete hopelessness in a world caught up in its own depreciation.

Having such a dynamic cast with the likes of such actors Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Norman Reedus, Aaron Paul, Clift Collins Jr, Woody Harrelson and shockingly, Kate Winslet. Most of the actors are game (especially Ejiofor), but most of the characters are reduced to one dimensional creations with only so much to do and reason for us a care to really care for one of them. While everyone is really good in under written or even cartoonish parts (Harrelson, Paul, and Winslet), one of the biggest issues comes to the actual writing. There is simply not enough meat on the bone to chew on. The actual story itself would have worked more effectively if the mob element introduced was thrown away altogether, along with simply sticking to what Triple 9 should have been: a cops and robbers movie. Instead, the final product is reduced down to far too many cliches and underwhelming characterization (Affleck serves merely as a MacGuffin plot device!).

Where Triple 9 misses some marks doesn't necessarily hit every stride, this is far and away from being a bad film Out of most February releases, you won't find too many as well directed and brimming with a big name cast. There is some good acting and fine tuned action scenes that sell the nasty and grimey world the film creates. The look and feel of it could not have been captured any better either, feeling completely real and very much atmospheric through stylish cinematography and a suspenseful score. Its just too bad Triple 9 couldn't capitalize on a more refined way of telling a meaningful story.