21 Bridges Movie Review: Chadwick Boseman, Stephan James's Performances Stand Out in This Engrossing Thriller

21 Bridges Movie Review: Brian Kirk-directed 21 Bridges stars Chadwick Boseman as New York city's decorated cop, detective Andre Davis. After playing Marvel superhero Black Panther in Avengers Endgame, Chadwick plays a policeman seeking retribution for his father's death in this Russo Brothers-produced film. 21 Bridges Director Brian Kirk Says He Has an Abiding Fascination With Manhunt Movies.

The very first scene of the movie showcases a sobbing 11-year-old Andre holding his mother's hand at his father's funeral. It's implied that his dad, a decorated cop himself, died following an ugly spat with few doped-up gangsters who shot him down. With vengeance in his heart, Andre follows in his father's footstep 12 years down the line. He becomes an encounter specialist, who doesn't spare cop killers. He justifies all his seven encounters to the special bench, stating killing criminals is the only way to keep the city safe.

A cocaine robbery scene introduces the antagonists of the film -- Michael (Stephan James) and Ray (Taylor Kitsch), two fugitives who escape with a BMW after killing six cops, along with a bag full of cocaine. The FBI and Sienna Miller as Narcotics department officer Frankie Burns are associated to the case along with Andre Davis and Captain McKenna (JK Simmons). Here begins the cat-n-mouse game between the cop killers and the cops, as the city is put on a high alert. 21 Bridges: Chadwick Boseman Reveals Why the Concept of Locking Down Manhattan Was Compelling.

Two major suspects with a bag full of cocaine and NYPD running behind them sounds like a GTA mission adapted to the big screen. The first 20 minutes of 21 Bridges is all about the build-up and takes time in introducing the characters. With a precise length of 1 hour 40 minutes, 21 Bridges is a popcorn thriller which doesn't let you take a loo break and especially last thirty minutes of the movie is highly engaging. The film is pretty predictable at places especially when the cops kill every usual suspect which Davis comes close to. The film's climax scores some browny points for being much better on showcasing the bigger picture to the audiences. The production design team also deserve a win.

Despite its predictability, both Mervis and Carnahan has delivered well-written characters which are a joy to watch on the big screen. Brian Kirk's tidy direction has no scope for errors and you could barely find a scene without a purpose in this entire 106 minutes film. Paul Cameron's flawless cinematography captured some engrossing action sequences which are the USP of this cop-thriller. Overall, the film is above the mark in every department right from its writing to its execution and the treatment of the script.

21 Bridges Official Trailer

Speaking about the performances, Chadwick Boseman shines as a New York undercover cop. His presence and performance were a notch higher than his previous stand-alone films. Boseman had the right amount of seriousness, courage and the calculative approach of a top cop in the town. Despite a small yet important role, JK Simmons plays the senior cop character convincingly. Sienna Miller as narcotics cell officer Frankie Burns brings a memorable act to the table. Have to admit it, Stephan James as the fugitive grey character Michael was a standout performer of all.

Yay!

- Chadwick Boseman, Stephan James' impactful performances

- Impressive performances from Supporting cast

- The setting and premise gets you intrigued

- Ample of thrilling moments

Nay!

- Needed a better background score

- The film is Predictable at places

- Wanted more of the Action Sequences

Final Thoughts

If you are a fan of thrillers, you must definitely give 21 Bridges a fair chance. It has convincing characters, a good looking plot and thrilling moments that would keep you hooked from start to finish.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 21, 2019 09:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).