Review: 21 Bridges

Release date: November 22, 2019
Running time: 99 minutes
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, J.K. Simmons 

21 Bridges follows NYPD detective Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman), the son of a slain ex police officer that cares for his mother with dementia.  Early in the film, Andre is tasked with a New York City-wide manhunt for a duo of cop killers.  While in pursuit of these killers, Andre has no choice but to put Manhattan on lock down for the first time in history by shutting down the 21 bridges that grant entry and exit to the island.  But as the night grows deep, Andre begins to uncover a massive conspiracy that blurs the lines between what he thought was right and makes him question who is hunting who.

What's truly special about this film is the chemistry between Boseman and the producers of this film Russo Brothers (Anthony and Joe Russo) who seem to put Boseman in position to excel and shine in his role. Not only is this movie the Russo Brothers first movie after the launch of their own mini-studio called AGBO, but it is the first film working with Boseman after the success of Avengers: Endgame.  Boseman has had mixed success in his non-super hero films, but when he is teamed with the Russo brothers he is fun to watch. Much like his work portraying iconic historical figures in his biopic films, he truly brings the character Andre Davis to life and gets the viewers invested in no time even though the character seems a little shallow.

This movie is short and sweet, well-paced with a climatic score and some amazing cinematography.  The movie truly pays homage to the throwback cop thrillers of the past. Also there tons of Avengers references within this movie and that's not by mistake considering those that are involved with this film.  

But even though 21 Bridges does a lot right, the plot as well as the supporting characters truly lack substance. This plot isn't one you haven't seen before, nor will it catch you off guard.  There were even times when I thought some of the decisions were just not feasible and others that just didn't make any sense.  There was a ton of potential here that seems to not come together.  With a predictable plot and underutilized potential this movie just doesn't fully deliver.  Perhaps you should hold off on crossing this bridge until the movie is out for rental.

21 Bridges has a charismatic star, a well-paced story, and a climactic score that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the film's end game.  

 Rent it