Call it The Badge on steroids and you won't be far off the mark.
Narc (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:151
Fresh:126
Rotten:25
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: Jason Patric and Ray Liotta are electrifying in this gritty, if a little too familiar, cop drama.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for strong brutal violence, drug content and pervasive language
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Jan 10, 2003 Wide
Box Office: $10,237,964
Synopsis:
In homage to such classic films as "The French Connection" and "Serpico," writer/director Joe Carnahan's "Narc" explores the dark underbelly of the drug world with a compelling story about the...
In homage to such classic films as "The French Connection" and "Serpico," writer/director Joe Carnahan's "Narc" explores the dark underbelly of the drug world with a compelling story about the intense psyche behind those individuals called "narcs," undercover officers who put themselves on the front lines of the war against drugs. Chipping away at the number of dealers on the streets, these brave men and women leave their loved ones behind each day as they throw themselves into the brutal world of drug abuse for one purpose only…to end it.
"Narc" tells the story of suspended undercover narcotics officer, Nick Tellis (Jason Patric), who is reluctantly drawn back onto the force to find the truth behind the murder of a young police officer killed in the line of duty. He is teamed with Henry Oak (Ray Liotta), the slain officer's partner, a rogue cop who will stop at nothing to avenge his friend's death. As Tellis and Oak unravel the case, the dark underbelly of the narcotics world reveals itself in surprising ways that are more twisted than either officer has seen before…and the mystery that slowly reveals itself threatens to destroy them both.
Nominated for the Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah and winner of the Special Prize Policier Award at the Cognac Film Festival in France, "Narc" is written and directed by an innovative new voice in filmmaking, Joe Carnahan ("Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane"). The film stars Jason Patric ("Your Friends & Neighbors," "Rush") and Ray Liotta ("Hannibal," "Goodfellas"). An intense adrenaline rush from the first heart-stopping chase scene to the stunning dramatic climax, this taut police thriller also features rap artist Busta Rhymes ("Finding Forester," "Shaft") and Chi McBride ("Undercover Brother").
Starring: Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Busta Rhymes, Richard Chevolleau
Starring: Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Busta Rhymes, Richard Chevolleau, Chi McBride, John Ortiz, Anne Openshaw, Alan Van Sprang, Tom Cruise
Director: Joe Carnahan
Director: Joe Carnahan
Screenwriter: Joe Carnahan
Producer: Ray Liotta
Composer: Cliff Martinez
Studio: Paramount Pictures
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Reviews for Narc
Narc may not be an exceptional cop film but it is a solid one, a tragedy of pervasive corruption in which honour is no more beneficial than deceit.
Narc is certainly alive before the conclusion, but once it hits, the film is reborn into a cynical and weary story of sins and hopes of the past coming to light.
filmed with such energy and bravado and boasts two performances by Ray Liotta and Jason Patric that are so impressive that it rises above its generic roots and becomes something that is very nearly powerful
It's nothing more than an extra-gritty cop show, but it's a competent one.
If it does not transcend its genre, at least is is a solid example of why that genre endures.
It was filled with shootings, beatings, and more cussing than you could shake a stick at.
Carnahan's script has intelligent complications and builds to a satisfying resolution, and he draws excellent performances from Liotta (who has seldom been better) and Patric (who has never).
In an era where big stars and high production values are standard procedure, Narc strikes a defiantly retro chord, and outpaces its contemporaries with daring and verve.
Somehow, writer/director Joe Carnahan has developed a style after his first atrocious film and has now turned out a gritty, compelling drama.
If only Narc had its originality in check, this could have been more of a chilling visceral ride into depravity.
Fresh and raw like a blown-out vein, Narc takes a walking-dead, cop-flick subgenre and beats new life into it.
Its aggressive, unrelenting energy makes up for all the cop movie cliches
Support is top notch across the board, with John Ortiz ("Ali") most notable as Octavio Ruiz, a pantless crack addict who set his girlfriend's hair on fire for giving him the clap who then goes on to profess his love for her
This kind of film is an acquired taste, recommended for the terrific performances but with the warning that you may leave the theater feeling like you need a bath.
Latest News for Narc
May 03, 2007:
Smokin' Joe Has Seen a "Sin City 2" Teaser
And by "Smokin' Joe" I mean Crazy Joe Carnahan, director of action flicks like "Narc" and "Smokin' Aces." Seems that Robert Rodriguez recently... More...
August 18, 2006:
Trailer Bulletin: The Insane "Smokin' Aces"
Last week I was all set to share the all-new and seriously energetic trailer for Joe Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces," but the official site went bye-bye before I could... More...
October 14, 2005:
Andy Garcia Joins Carnahan's "Smokin'" Ensemble
Variety brings word that Andy Garcia will climb aboard director Joe Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces," am action-comedy that's already packing some solid star power. More...
August 12, 2005:
Carnahan Starts "Smokin'" for Universal
"Narc" director Joe Carnahan has been tapped by Universal to helm "Smokin' Aces," from his own screenplay. The action thriller is set to star Ryan Reynolds,... More...
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