The new action film “Street Kings” explores the depths of the saying, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” and takes the idea to a new level. Centered on a host of dirty cops in Los Angeles, “Street Kings” examines what happens when people with authority live destructive lifestyles and stop at nothing to cover their tracks.

The main character, Tom Ludlow, played by Keanu Reeves is a highly-effective member of the LAPD’s special vice unit who has somewhat of a dirty track record. His commanding officer, played by Forest Whitaker, is climbing the ladder of rank within the department, and takes special care to cover up Ludlow‘s less than legal methods. Detective Ludlow‘s world is shaken when an old partner is brutally murdered in what appears to be a simple shooting, and his own department buries the case to protect itself and him from scrutiny. After experiencing an attack of conscience, Reeves’ character takes it as his mission to bring the murderers to justice, no matter the cost.

Reeves is excellent as Ludlow, whose reckless abandon of his own person is reminiscent of Mel Gibson in the “Lethal Weapon” series. Keanu has avoided the folly of becoming typecast after “The Matrix” trilogy, and steps effortlessly into the role of an unbalanced battle-scarred cop. Possibly even more amazing than Reeves’ performance is that of Whitaker’s. After playing a sort of hero recently in “Vantage Point,” Whitaker definitively establishes that he’s the real deal; he’s so good at being bad, it’s scary. Whitaker again proves his versatility.

“Street Kings” is a film with few clear-cut “good-guys” and a host of corrupt people all trying to get what they can and cover their tails. Director David Ayer nailed the setting of Los Angeles in all its imperfect smoggy glory. The city needs cleaning up, as do the film’s hauntingly realistic characters. While not particularly uplifting, the film ultimately vilifies greed and cowardice as the forces of evil. Reeves’ character asks Whitaker “What happened to just getting the bad guys?” to which Whitaker replies, “We’re all bad.” It took a lot to turn Detective Tom Ludlow around, but in the end the one left standing is the only one who was willing to fall.

David Phillips is a Cabrillo High School student. His movie reviews are written for his senior project. Reach him at emodmpl@gmail.com.

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