neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Narc
	Joe Carnahan Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Busta Rhymes, Chi McBride 2002		Ray Liotta and Jason Patric — two fierce, mega-magnetic actors — are on display at their hard-boiled best in the foreboding, punch-to-the-gut crime drama "Narc." Dedicated undercover narcotics officer Nick Tellis (Patric) is suspended after the deadly outcome of his most recent case. Then, his superiors deem that Nick is essential to the investigation of a fellow policeman's death. Ignoring the potential danger and his wife's protests, Nick returns to the fold and teams up with the slain cop's partner, rogue detective Henry Oak (Liotta). They chase down leads, but encounter close-mouthed witnesses and dead ends. Meanwhile, someone is undermining their quest for the truth. It could've been simple police-and-thugs stuff, if not for a brutally frank script with unexpected twists, a surprise ending that makes logical sense and bravura work by Liotta and Patrick. The film is the first major-studio release from director/writer Joe Carnahan, whose previous feature was an effective calling card: the no-holds-barred, no-budget, action indie "Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane." "Narc" is a big step forward for Carnahan. With Busta Rhymes and Chi McBride.