
Rampart
2011, Drama/Crime, 1h 43m
149 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Rampart sends viewers plummeting into a nihilistic hell of its protagonist's creation, yet Woody Harrelson's performance in the central role is too magnetic to dismiss. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Rampart Photos
Movie Info
In 1999, Officer Dave Brown (Woody Harrelson), a 24-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, tends to follow his own code of rough justice. A number of years earlier, he was implicated in the death of a serial rapist. Brown's violent tendencies once again land him in hot water when a video of him beating up a suspect plays all over local TV. An assistant DA (Sigourney Weaver) pressures him to retire, but Brown edges closer and closer to a meltdown.
Cast & Crew
Woody Harrelson
Dave Brown
Dave Brown
Ben Foster
General Terry
General Terry
Anne Heche
Catherine
Catherine
Ice Cube
Kyle Timkins
Kyle Timkins
Brie Larson
Helen
Helen
Cynthia Nixon
Barbara
Barbara
Critic Reviews for Rampart
Audience Reviews for Rampart
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Jul 19, 2014Captivating drama, Rampart is a surprisingly gripping film about a corrupt cop played by Woody Harrelson in a well rounded performance. The film's story is smart, tense and is entertaining due to a strong performance by its lead actor. What I enjoyed about the film was that it was a tense piece of drama, a film that managed to be a gripping, well paced picture that told a riveting story and is elevated by some strong performances. I didn't expect much going into this film, and I must admit, I kind of avoided it for awhile, but I'm glad I did. Directed by the same director who helped the terrific drama The Messenger, Rampart gives you an unflinching portrait of a cop that is corrupt and abuses his oath. Harrelson is perfect for the part, and he commands each scene that he's in. The story is well constructed and is perfectly paced in order to create a rousing sense of tension, which is ever present in the film. This is a fine drama thriller, one that ranks among the most memorable ones in the last few years, and like I said, it's a film that is entertaining and captivating in the way it handles its story. This is a film that is well worth your time if you want a well executed drama that boasts great performances, terrific storytelling and exceptional direction. Rampart is an incredible drama and it's a film that is thoroughly engaging and is a finely made picture that you won't forget anytime soon. The film's strength lies in a solid and unforgettable performance by Woody Harrelson and it has a finely written script that has never a dull moment.Alex r Super Reviewer
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Jun 13, 2013"Rampart" would probably still be a misfire even if it was not the 596th depiction of a corrupt Los Angeles policeman on the big screen or television.(How about Topeka for a change?) A lot of the failure comes down to a murky filming style which ends up reflecting an even murkier story. What makes it even more disappointing is that it comes from James Ellroy and Oren Moverman who had previously directed the excellent "The Messenger." Said corrupt cop being Dave Brown(Woody Harrelson) who is videotaped one fine day beating a suspect senseless. While Brown is correct that it left out the part about him blindsiding him and fleeing the scene, Brown's response is still overkill. In any case, he is a victim of bad timing as this is 1999 and the Los Angeles Police Department is currently being investigated for all manners of corruption for which he is now the poster boy of. But then this is not the first time Brown may have used extreme force as he has always been suspected of executing an accused serial rapist. Another problem with "Rampart" is that Brown is not even repellent enough to be interesting, as the movie even considers taking his side against the evil bureaucracy. But then there is no evidence on display to really offset his proven worst tendencies, as he does almost no police work, instead just spending most of his time dealing with his complicated personal life that includes two ex-wives(Anne Heche & Cynthia Nixon) and the possibility of him being god's gift to women, even with him pushing 50. Maybe a towering performance could have breathed some life into such a thinly drawn character but Woody Harrelson is not a strong enough actor to make something out of nothing, as Ned Beatty steals whatever scenes he is in.Walter M Super Reviewer
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May 17, 2013Great film with a solid performance from Harrelson. It let's itself down with a flimsy ending but it's still worth watching.Marcus W Super Reviewer
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Dec 30, 2012'Rampart'. A fine lesson in self-destruction that meandered too often between some nice uncomfortable moments.c0up Super Reviewer
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