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critics consensus

Despite strong performances from Bruce Willis and Mos Def, 16 Blocks is a shopworn entry in the buddy-action genre. Read critic reviews

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16 Blocks Photos

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Movie Info

Boozy and world-weary, NYPD Detective Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) draws a routine assignment to transport trial witness Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) to the courthouse by 10 a.m. The task quickly becomes a deadly game of cat-and-mouse when some of Jack's fellow officers arrive to kill Eddie so that he cannot testify against them. Jack sees a way to redeem his wasted life by protecting the affable Eddie from the would-be assassins.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Intense Sequences of Action|Violence)
  • Genre:
    mystery and thriller, crime, action, drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Richard Donner
  • Producer:
    Randall Emmett, Avi Lerner, Arnold Rifkin, John Thompson, Jim Van Wyck, Bruce Willis
  • Writer:
    Richard Wenk
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $36.9M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Millennium Films, Cheyenne Enterprises, Equity Pictures Medienfonds, Emmett/Furla Films, Nu Image
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Scope (2.35:1)

Cast & Crew

Bruce Willis
Jack Mosley
Mos Def
Eddie Bunker
David Morse
Frank Nugent
Jenna Stern
Diane Mosley
Casey Sander
Captain Gruber
Cylk Cozart
Jimmy Mulvey
David Zayas
Officer Robert Torres
Robert Racki
Jerry Shue
Sasha Roiz
Kaller
Tig Fong
Briggs
Richard Donner
Director
Richard Wenk
Writer
Randall Emmett
Producer
Avi Lerner
Producer
Arnold Rifkin
Producer
John Thompson
Producer
Jim Van Wyck
Producer
Bruce Willis
Producer
Glen MacPherson
Cinematographer
Steve Mirkovich
Film Editor
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News & Interviews for 16 Blocks

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Critic Reviews for 16 Blocks

All Critics (162) | Top Critics (49) | Fresh (90) | Rotten (72)

View All Critic Reviews (162)

Audience Reviews for 16 Blocks

  • Apr 10, 2016
    This should have worked as a simple concept thriller but it's just so predictable, which is the result of a screenplay that's way too neat and tidy.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Sep 13, 2015
    A very gripping and entertaining thriller that has a plot that's been used a few times but adds its own twist to it, Some great performances apart from Mos Def who for some reason sounds like he's brain damaged which ruined allot of the films main scenes, Some nice twists and turns and very cleverly wrote even if it feels gritty and clunky sometimes, It's not quite edge of your seat stuff but it's great entertainment and well done.
    Jamie C Super Reviewer
  • Feb 09, 2013
    Richard Donner delivers another thrilling and intense action film with 16 Blocks. A worn-out cop is handed a last minute assignment to escort a witness to the courthouse, but things turn deadly when he learns that the witness is testifying in a police corruption case. Bruce Willis and Mos Def lead the cast and deliver standout performances. And Donner does an excellent job directing, keeping the film fast-paced and full of action. The film also does a good job at using the setting and creating an atmosphere where there's danger around every corner. Full of suspense, 16 Blocks delivers a gritty and riveting film.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Apr 06, 2012
    "16 Blocks" is not a perfect movie. There are sequences in it that go over the top, the narrative is full of holes, and Mos Def's consistent murmuring does get a little annoying from time to time, but that doesn't mean that the film as a whole isn't good entertainment. It's exciting and tense and Richard Donner's direction is spot on. Pedestrian script aside, "16 Blocks" is an enjoyable film.
    Stephen E Super Reviewer
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16 Blocks Quotes

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