Bruce Willis always plays the same character in every movie he stars in, but his 16 Blocks\ character is much more intriguing than usual. The captivatingly unique concept of this film is that he is a bad cop, but transitions from a bad guy to a good guy very early. Jack Mosley (Willis) is a drunk, lazy cop who is involved in a very corrupt group of cops with the NYPD. Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) needs to be taken to the courthouse within two hours so he can testify against the corrupt cops, and Jack has to be the one to take him the 16 blocks to get there.
It is not the plot that keeps the audience involved, it is the performances of the lead actors that is fascinating to watch. Mos Def's performance is the reason to see this movie. He turns an ordinary person into an electric and original character with his mind-numbingly annoying voice and big heart. It is refreshing to see how Eddie does not fall into a genre character, turn into a bad guy somehow or become an extra obstacle for the protagonist. He is just a fun-loving guy whose only objective is to get to the courthouse, which he never lets the audience forget. His innocence and honesty is the reason Jack realizes that he must do the right thing, even if that means turning himself in. Most films of this genre are prone to becoming a little too unbelievable for even a fan to become engaged in the plot. The storyline of this film is so easy and convincing that even those who do not like the genre might have a fun time at this movie. If nothing else, they will enjoy good performances by Def and Willis.
In the climax of every cop action movie there is a final twist, and then good always prevails over evil. In ""16 Blocks"" the twist is not what changes the film; it was the entire plot from start to finish that works. Driving 16 blocks to take a witness to the courthouse sounds like it would be impossible to have a high energy, fast-paced script, but the screenwriters do a fantastic job of keeping it alive.
The biggest problem with the film is one word: necessity. Awards season this year has proven that the best films are now more intellectual, original and stimulating. Is it necessary to add another action cop film to a genre that will not quit? ""16 Blocks"" does not break into incredibly new territory, but it is very well-executed. So, maybe it is not necessary to add another film to the vast collection of cop/prisoner buddy flicks, but this one sure is a pleasure to watch.
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