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Narc (2002)
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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
An empty exercise, a florid but ultimately vapid crime melodrama with lots of surface flash but little emotional resonance.
Carnahan, aided by cinematographer Alex Nepomniaschy, relies more on the propulsive tension of macho mayhem and carnage, indicated by quick cuts, split-screen, frenetic handheld shots and emotional eruptions, than a linear story line.
This may be the most uncompromisingly raw police drama since Across 110th Street, starring Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto.
About the best thing you could say about Narc is that it's a rock-solid little genre picture. Whether you like it or not is basically a matter of taste.
The actors are all charged up by their roles, and it rubs off on us: You walk out with a caffeine- and-doughnut high.
They're just a couple of cops in Copmovieland, these two, but in Narc, they find new routes through a familiar neighborhood.
Nothing to hide here: Narc is the straight dope for gritty crime-story junkies.
Very well written and directed with brutal honesty and respect for its audience.
Carnahan deserves credit for keeping gloom and hopelessness from getting dull.
An entertaining, grimy view of the traps of machismo tucked inside a cop thriller.
Over and over, every gesture and character in Narc summons up yet another movie.
Carnahan works with a rough-hewn classicism that recalls the tenacity and resilience of Hollywood in its glory days.
A riveting profile of law enforcement, and a visceral, nasty journey into an urban Hades.
There’s an absolute professionalism on display that displaces the usual cheap look of an independent production and opens your eyes to the realization that you may be witnessing the birth of a career here.
Writer-director Joe Carnahan's visceral, hyperkinetic style mainlines you right into the story -- it's sort of like being pistol-whipped.
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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