Good old fashioned cops and robbers movie,solid acting and great shootouts.Wish there was more of this type of movie!
542 Reviews
Solid old school cop thriller
trakev-6185223 November 2019
Not bad I guess!
timucin_savas21 November 2019
The film was a pleasant surprise. Nothing new here but the camera work and action scenes were marvelous. Although the plot is not original the story was fine with good editing. Interesting take on "Manhattan island", however the script could have been better and acting was average at times. Nice Friday night flick!
21 bridges in and out of Manhattan? I had no idea there were that many!
donaldricco2 September 2020
"We got twenty-one bridges in and out of Manhattan. Shut them down. Three rivers. Close them. Four tunnels. Block them. Stop every train and loop the subways. Then, we flood the island with blue."
Well, that's the gist of this movie! Could have been ho-hum, but Chadwick Boseman makes it much better than that! He really was one heck of an actor! And he make his character, Andre Davis, really smoke on the screen! I'd have loved to see a sequel with this character. And, of course, any more that Mr. Boseman would have done. So sad that we lost such a fine, fine actor...
Well, that's the gist of this movie! Could have been ho-hum, but Chadwick Boseman makes it much better than that! He really was one heck of an actor! And he make his character, Andre Davis, really smoke on the screen! I'd have loved to see a sequel with this character. And, of course, any more that Mr. Boseman would have done. So sad that we lost such a fine, fine actor...
Pretty good
Calicodreamin27 November 2019
Overall I thought this was a pretty good action thriller. While the storyline was a bit simplistic and predictable, the execution was top notch. Boseman played the part of hardened cop really well, and the supporting characters held their own. The storyline had good flow and kept up a good pace throughout. Enjoyable and worth the time to watch.
One hell of a tight script
harry_tk_yung22 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Many may have come just to see Chadwick Boseman and they shouldn't be disappointed. But there are other good things about this movie. It has one hell of a tight script. Throughout the 100 minutes runtime, there is not a single wasted, idle shot (no pun intended). There is also a good supporting cast, which I'll come to later.
The movie is almost real-time, starting from a midnight robbery gone wrong, resulting in the killing of eight offices of the NYPD. Manhattan is sealed off (hence "21 bridges" plus all other access routes) and the NYPD is given just a few hours to dawn to apprehend the perpetrators, before the FBI takes it off their hands. Running almost like real-time, the movie immediately kicks into high gear.
Paring up on this mission-almost-impossible are detective Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman), "the guy who kills cop-killers" and narcotics officer Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller), tough as a bone, with a will of her own (thanks, W.S. Gilbert, of "Gilbert and Sullivan"). This co-lead billing notwithstanding, his is clearly a lead role and hers a strong support. Police Captain McKenna (J.K. Simmons), shaken by the loss of eight of his family-like officers, hints to Davis to live up to his reputation and take no prisoners. Despite such reputation, however, Davis has never shot a criminal without just cause. Burns, impeccably professional, has a little daughter waiting for her at home, under the care of a babysitter. The two criminals who blundered into this unexpected disaster are Ray (Taylor Kitsch) and Michael (Stephan James), both war veterans. Ray is the typical villain while Michael, although loyal to him, has more sense and compassion.
I am not going into the detail plot which, needless to say, has twists and turns. With good character development (albeit within the real time of a few hours), running parallel are a police procedural and a crime story from the POV of the criminals. Excellent script, direction and acting together make sure that your attention is focused during the entire duration of the movie.
Boseman is pitch perfect, indisputably demonstrating that he has a lot to offer beyond Black Panther. Miller, unlike the glamour support in "Stardust" (2007), is all character-acting here. Kitsch, in his first (I think) crack at a key villain role, delivers. Matching him scene for scene, and then more, is James. Ever reliable, Simmons handles his not-so-simple role effortlessly.
This is an exceptionally good crime and action drama.
The movie is almost real-time, starting from a midnight robbery gone wrong, resulting in the killing of eight offices of the NYPD. Manhattan is sealed off (hence "21 bridges" plus all other access routes) and the NYPD is given just a few hours to dawn to apprehend the perpetrators, before the FBI takes it off their hands. Running almost like real-time, the movie immediately kicks into high gear.
Paring up on this mission-almost-impossible are detective Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman), "the guy who kills cop-killers" and narcotics officer Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller), tough as a bone, with a will of her own (thanks, W.S. Gilbert, of "Gilbert and Sullivan"). This co-lead billing notwithstanding, his is clearly a lead role and hers a strong support. Police Captain McKenna (J.K. Simmons), shaken by the loss of eight of his family-like officers, hints to Davis to live up to his reputation and take no prisoners. Despite such reputation, however, Davis has never shot a criminal without just cause. Burns, impeccably professional, has a little daughter waiting for her at home, under the care of a babysitter. The two criminals who blundered into this unexpected disaster are Ray (Taylor Kitsch) and Michael (Stephan James), both war veterans. Ray is the typical villain while Michael, although loyal to him, has more sense and compassion.
I am not going into the detail plot which, needless to say, has twists and turns. With good character development (albeit within the real time of a few hours), running parallel are a police procedural and a crime story from the POV of the criminals. Excellent script, direction and acting together make sure that your attention is focused during the entire duration of the movie.
Boseman is pitch perfect, indisputably demonstrating that he has a lot to offer beyond Black Panther. Miller, unlike the glamour support in "Stardust" (2007), is all character-acting here. Kitsch, in his first (I think) crack at a key villain role, delivers. Matching him scene for scene, and then more, is James. Ever reliable, Simmons handles his not-so-simple role effortlessly.
This is an exceptionally good crime and action drama.
Tight action movie.
subxerogravity22 November 2019
I thought it was pretty thrilling and suspenseful police drama, that went fast enough not to bore me.
I found the production to be pretty big with the whole thing about the movie being produced by the same guys who made Avengers: End game and it has a decent set of actors in it, but you're not going to get any substance from it. No depth just action. It has a message but the message does not out weight the dramatic action sequences. The Russo brothers could have done so much more with what they were given but they didn't.
And is that what Chadwick Boseman really sounds like? I herd him mimic so many famous black people that I had no idea what he actually sounds like.
Anyway. It's a good popcorn eating action movie. It's not met to win awards just make you satisfied when spending the two hours to see it.
Worth spending a few notes to see
pete-47023 November 2019
This is the type of film I've seen a hundred times or more on DVD, Netflix etc, but for some reason never think of going to see at the cinema. Our multiplex is getting renovated so they're a few screens down and when we got down there it was the only thing about to start in the next half hour. It's not going to win awards but it will entertain you.. it's not really going to keep you guessing but you will want to see how it pans out. It's not going to stay in my memory but it does make me want to see more of this type at the cinema rather than at home. Good, honest film.
Nothing new, but still enjoyable
Top_Dawg_Critic4 February 2020
Aside from being very predictable, Chadwick Boseman was "too much" in his character and very melodramatic, as was the score during highlighted scenes. Otherwise, the directing was on point, the casting great, and the run-time and pacing perfect. I enjoyed it more than I thought. 7/10 from me
Good cop thriller
danielcereto21 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Here we have same old story of dirty cops and a robbery. So not original but the acting is solid and the scenography is pretty good. So overall only a good thriller because it's lack of originality and predictable script and twists. It could be far better.
Predictable Yet Engrossing
tulipwoodland21 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This Chadwick Bose man film is gripping thriller and there is no time you will feel bored watching it. The treatment to such a simple script which falls short due to its predictability is overcome by stinctilating cinematography, memorable well written characters and a believable premise set in Manhattan New York. The Climax tells a bigger picture of the cops world giving us a glimpse of the system as a whole with Stephan James and Chadwick Boseman leaving an impact with their honest performances. Give it a Watch for sure.
Everyone Else Was Watching Frozen 2
view_and_review23 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
When two cop killers are on the loose with 50 kilograms of uncut cocaine, detective Andre Harris (Chadwick Boseman) makes the bold move of cutting off their exit from Manhattan by blocking its 21 bridges--hence the title. I doubt a detective would have that much authority but nevermind that.
From that point on it's a race to catch these killers before 5 a.m., the time in which Manhattan will be opened back up. What Det. Harris also found out is that he was racing against more than just the clock, he was racing against others who wanted the cop killers dead to cover up a bigger crime.
The movie stays fast paced for the most part. Little time is spent on exposition, back stories, or side stories. The bulk of the movie occurs within a single night so there's no time to slow things down to delve into anyone's personal life. It is a crime drama with some mystery involved.
It was an entertaining movie, something cool to catch at a matinee while everyone else was crowding in to watch Frozen 2.
From that point on it's a race to catch these killers before 5 a.m., the time in which Manhattan will be opened back up. What Det. Harris also found out is that he was racing against more than just the clock, he was racing against others who wanted the cop killers dead to cover up a bigger crime.
The movie stays fast paced for the most part. Little time is spent on exposition, back stories, or side stories. The bulk of the movie occurs within a single night so there's no time to slow things down to delve into anyone's personal life. It is a crime drama with some mystery involved.
It was an entertaining movie, something cool to catch at a matinee while everyone else was crowding in to watch Frozen 2.
Very good movie
kapurkimaya30 August 2020
Not Bad, Actually.
redrobin62-321-2073117 February 2020
Even though I saw them two days apart, "Black and Blue" could be called the younger brother of "21 Bridges" - two police thrillers set in an urban environment dealing with corrupt cops who get taken down by both violence from an angel black cop along with info on an external drive. A lot more money was spent on "21 Bridges", though, and it shows. Unfortunately, like "Black and Blue", it has its flaws; still, it made for an enjoyable, adrenaline-filled evening for a popcorn rush.
Depends on when you decide to watch it
mr_sharma29 April 2020
First off, you will be in for a crushing disappointment if you are expecting an exploratory look into the 21 bridges round Manhattan.
In fact, Not a a single bridge was harmed in the making of this film.
This is a derivative story done many many times before. There is nothing new here.
The only reason you would give this film a look in because of the cast (really good level of acting is involved here). Quite impressed with how many good actors they managed to get in this.
H. brothers produce some proper rubbish films (Mile 22, happy time murders etc) and that sort of nonsense rears it's head here at points. Realism takes a back seat in parts of this film.
21 bridges blocked, a race against time....in the end neither matter. It does not matter that there is no way out or if time is of the essence. It's all a bit perfunctory.
Nevertheless, like films like the The Negotiator or 16 Blocks, it's one of those films where you don't mind switching off your brain.
It's no French connection or Serpico.
Overall, in time, history will completely forget this effort.
Just a footnote in the list of "people are after you" films.
It's a Sunday morning, sofa breakfast type of film.
In fact, Not a a single bridge was harmed in the making of this film.
This is a derivative story done many many times before. There is nothing new here.
The only reason you would give this film a look in because of the cast (really good level of acting is involved here). Quite impressed with how many good actors they managed to get in this.
H. brothers produce some proper rubbish films (Mile 22, happy time murders etc) and that sort of nonsense rears it's head here at points. Realism takes a back seat in parts of this film.
21 bridges blocked, a race against time....in the end neither matter. It does not matter that there is no way out or if time is of the essence. It's all a bit perfunctory.
Nevertheless, like films like the The Negotiator or 16 Blocks, it's one of those films where you don't mind switching off your brain.
It's no French connection or Serpico.
Overall, in time, history will completely forget this effort.
Just a footnote in the list of "people are after you" films.
It's a Sunday morning, sofa breakfast type of film.
Predictable but enjoyable
kosmasp4 April 2020
I don't think there are many things that will be open or rather not openly foreseeable for most of the viewers. I did have one character reveal that I did not think about, but other than that ... But as it is, this movie works as a thriller, even when you know what's up.
Our Black Panther is doing a great job as a stern and immovable cop, with a tough Sienna Miller to his side. Fighting to bring justice and being very aware of local geography (not sure if it is entirely plausible what happens, but it helps further the tension and keep you on the edge of your seat).
Twists aside, this is fun and action packed, what more can one ask for? Yes a few things more, but this is decent
Our Black Panther is doing a great job as a stern and immovable cop, with a tough Sienna Miller to his side. Fighting to bring justice and being very aware of local geography (not sure if it is entirely plausible what happens, but it helps further the tension and keep you on the edge of your seat).
Twists aside, this is fun and action packed, what more can one ask for? Yes a few things more, but this is decent
21 Bridges - Plot with far too predictable twist
brankovranjkovic26 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Crime action thriller.
Starts with our hero as a child at his father's funeral and some character building backstory, then flashes forwards to our hero who is now a detective with a reputation for killing cop killers, though he doesn't shoot without just cause. The action centres on a night time drugs robbery gone wrong, where 7 cops gets killed. The rest is the pursuit of the criminals.
The decision is made to shut down all 21 city bridges around Manhattan so the killers can't escape, but there's a twist, it appears that the entire police department, except our hero are corrupt, unfortunately the conspiracy is far too predictable.
Starts with our hero as a child at his father's funeral and some character building backstory, then flashes forwards to our hero who is now a detective with a reputation for killing cop killers, though he doesn't shoot without just cause. The action centres on a night time drugs robbery gone wrong, where 7 cops gets killed. The rest is the pursuit of the criminals.
The decision is made to shut down all 21 city bridges around Manhattan so the killers can't escape, but there's a twist, it appears that the entire police department, except our hero are corrupt, unfortunately the conspiracy is far too predictable.
Distracting but hard not to be disappointed with how much effort went into everything but the writing (SPOILERS LIKE I'M TO BLAME)
bob the moo16 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There's a cop in NY who we are shown very early on is a through-and-through proper cop; yes he has killed in the line of duty but they were all good kills and no issues. Unrelated to this, a drug robbery goes very badly when a load of police turn up, and the thieves have to shoot their way out. Our good cop turns up to take action, supported by some bosses who are played by some instantly recognisable actors, and he is assigned a partner who again is played by the level of actress that is unlikely to be attracted to just a 'female sidekick' character. From the start it seemed pretty clear that this will be about one good cop taking on dirty cops and that at least some of the well-known actors will suddenly turn out to be baddies - I flagged this comment a spoiler because of that sentence, but it seemed obvious from about 10 minutes in, and indeed that is how it played out.
The film opens with an overly heavy setup of the character as a child, then we have an overly deliberate establishment of the character as a cop. From here we move to our robbery gone wrong. This section produces some decent scenes that have pace, actors from The Deuce, and plenty of functional style, and then this section ends in a way that absolutely concludes any lingering doubt anyone had about the assumptions we all made 10 minutes into the film. From this it pretty much jumps to the showdown with the entire corrupt system, which is then brought out with a tidy and well-acted shootout in someone's suburban home. In terms of the plot, it is entirely functional at best. When not as its best it feels lazy in the way it clearly understands the components of its genre but yet doesn't make the effort to do anything to make them slot together effectively - and I don't mean "do anything well or unique", I mean 'anything' because the final act in particular just feels dropped in out of nowhere.
It is a shame because there is a lot of talent involved here, and the production values are high, but really it consistently does the basics in the fundamentals. The narrative elements are signposted at least an hour ahead of arrival in many cases, and the lack of tension means that the majority of the fast-moving action sequences don't grip as they should. Everyone around the production and in front of camera do their best, but the film ultimately disappoints due to it never getting away just how little effort has gone into the plot and writing.
The film opens with an overly heavy setup of the character as a child, then we have an overly deliberate establishment of the character as a cop. From here we move to our robbery gone wrong. This section produces some decent scenes that have pace, actors from The Deuce, and plenty of functional style, and then this section ends in a way that absolutely concludes any lingering doubt anyone had about the assumptions we all made 10 minutes into the film. From this it pretty much jumps to the showdown with the entire corrupt system, which is then brought out with a tidy and well-acted shootout in someone's suburban home. In terms of the plot, it is entirely functional at best. When not as its best it feels lazy in the way it clearly understands the components of its genre but yet doesn't make the effort to do anything to make them slot together effectively - and I don't mean "do anything well or unique", I mean 'anything' because the final act in particular just feels dropped in out of nowhere.
It is a shame because there is a lot of talent involved here, and the production values are high, but really it consistently does the basics in the fundamentals. The narrative elements are signposted at least an hour ahead of arrival in many cases, and the lack of tension means that the majority of the fast-moving action sequences don't grip as they should. Everyone around the production and in front of camera do their best, but the film ultimately disappoints due to it never getting away just how little effort has gone into the plot and writing.
Stephen James Really Stands Out
slightlymad2222 November 2019
I just got out of 21 Bridges
It's predictable (The twists are obvious) the dialogue is also routine and predictable (my son was saying some of the lines before the actors) but overall, I enjoyed it. A decent enough way to pass 90 minutes
Chadwick Bosnan is an effective leader and JK Simmons offers solid support but the always awesome Kieth David was under used and whilst the rest of the cast (Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitch) is all fine, it Stephen James was the stand out for me, I actually wanted him to get away at times.
There were only 19 other people in my screening
It's predictable (The twists are obvious) the dialogue is also routine and predictable (my son was saying some of the lines before the actors) but overall, I enjoyed it. A decent enough way to pass 90 minutes
Chadwick Bosnan is an effective leader and JK Simmons offers solid support but the always awesome Kieth David was under used and whilst the rest of the cast (Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitch) is all fine, it Stephen James was the stand out for me, I actually wanted him to get away at times.
There were only 19 other people in my screening
Intriguing and action-packed
grantss6 September 2020
Two men hold up and rob an illegal drug operation but in order to escape end up killing eight police officers. Leading the manhunt for the cop-killers is a detective under internal investigation for possibly being too trigger-happy. However, the more he finds out about the case, the less sense it makes.
Interesting drama. Starts off as a robbery gone wrong, then develops into a manhunt, then becomes something more intriguing. The manhunt part is quite intriguing, as we see the net closing and the methods involved. It is also quite action-packed without getting too over the top.
The intrigue rachets up as you go along and things are clearly not as they seem. The revelation at the end is a tad implausible though and can be seen well before the end.
Overall, a good, thrilling movie. Grabs your attention from the word go and doesn't let go.
Interesting drama. Starts off as a robbery gone wrong, then develops into a manhunt, then becomes something more intriguing. The manhunt part is quite intriguing, as we see the net closing and the methods involved. It is also quite action-packed without getting too over the top.
The intrigue rachets up as you go along and things are clearly not as they seem. The revelation at the end is a tad implausible though and can be seen well before the end.
Overall, a good, thrilling movie. Grabs your attention from the word go and doesn't let go.
fine thriller
SnoopyStyle21 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) is a NYPD detective following his late hero father's footsteps. Former soldiers Michael Trujillo (Stephan James) and Ray Jackson (Taylor Kitsch) are robbing a drug stash in Brooklyn. The stash is much bigger than expected and cops show up. The duo gets into a gun battle and kills seven cops. They escape into Manhattan and the 21 bridges into the island are ordered shut. Davis is forced to partner up with Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller) to track down the cop killers.
The 21 bridges premise lacks the bridge shootout that it is screaming for. It's a generally good action thriller until some unreasonable moves after the hotel room. Michael has the flash drives and a safe hideout. He should be smarter than this. It's also unreasonable that Davis wouldn't get shoot at various times. Finally, it's unreasonable that he would confront the suspect at his own home. It's a cheesy crime thriller move to close out the movie. I like this up until the hotel room.
The 21 bridges premise lacks the bridge shootout that it is screaming for. It's a generally good action thriller until some unreasonable moves after the hotel room. Michael has the flash drives and a safe hideout. He should be smarter than this. It's also unreasonable that Davis wouldn't get shoot at various times. Finally, it's unreasonable that he would confront the suspect at his own home. It's a cheesy crime thriller move to close out the movie. I like this up until the hotel room.
A Good Throwback Cop Thriller
thebishop140522 November 2019
I sometimes see people rate a movie highly and complain about the other low scores people have given it. Irks me particularly if the movie/series was actually poor. This film is not that!
A well directed, well acted cop thriller with enough twists to keep you interested throughout the movie.
Gritty, but also nuanced on who you end up rooting for in the movie. I genuinely can't understand the low ratings for this.
A well directed, well acted cop thriller with enough twists to keep you interested throughout the movie.
Gritty, but also nuanced on who you end up rooting for in the movie. I genuinely can't understand the low ratings for this.
Eh not bad
derrickdamewood25 November 2019
Yeah there are some overly dramatic spots but they didn't skimp on the action. Simple plot, simple use of detective stuff, and some good bad guys. Not bad if you've already seen Joker, Knives out, Doctor Sleep, etc.
Due to the success of "black panther/get on up" you'll expect Chadwick Boseman to just start yelling something epic in the middle of it haha
Due to the success of "black panther/get on up" you'll expect Chadwick Boseman to just start yelling something epic in the middle of it haha
RIP Chadwick
maher-fouad9129 August 2020
Nothing new, but the gritty style, good acting and action keep the flow moving.
sbweightman22 November 2019
A run of the mill police thriller which doesn't really do anything new, but is still good and entertaining to watch. Not as tense as I was expecting as it focuses on the drama and the pensive stances of the lead, but the acting's good (although the characters are rather cliché) and the action and overall style is realistic and gritty.
Average Cop Flick
oakshield4 February 2020
Just your regular, average cop flick with one obvious plot "twist", if you can even call it that.
Good action scenes though, watch it if there's nothing else you can think of and you wanna kill a couple hours before going to bed.
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