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Wiener-Dog **
Don’t be fooled: This dour look at the sad sack owners of a sweet dachshund isn’t even a film for...
Gritty crime drama has a great cast but the story doesn’t hold up.
Is it worth $10? Yes
Here’s a fun game: For each member of the impressive ensemble of “Triple 9,” a middling crime drama that does just enough right to warrant a moderate recommendation, name a great movie or television show in which the actor starred (Aaron Paul was in “Breaking Bad,” etc.). You’re guaranteed to name some great work, and it might just inspire you to see “Triple 9,” which you’ll leave thinking was an “okay” way to spend two hours.
There is one character to root for in “Triple 9,” and that’s Chris (Casey Affleck), a husband to Michelle (Teresa Palmer) and loving father who is a new detective with the Atlanta Police Department. He’s assigned to work with Marcus (Anthony Mackie), which is bad because Marcus is part of a five-man team that robs banks at the request of Russian mafia boss Irina (Kate Winslet). Also on that team are fellow detective Jorge (Clifton Collins Jr.), former special ops Michael (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Russell (Norman Reedus), and Russell’s brother Gabe (Aaron Paul). Part of the reason they work for Irina is because Michael has a son with Irina’s sister Elena (Gal Gadot), and the safety of his loved ones is often threatened. Throughout, Chris’ uncle, Jeff (Woody Harrelson), is tracking the bandits and inching ever closer to the truth.
What the story is lacking, though, is surprises. The plot could have played out a number of ways, so the fact that it does so in such a straightforward manner is a bit of a head-scratcher. As a result there are no “wow” moments of plot twists or shocking revelations, which is a shame because the film needs these to keep the audience mentally engaged. Just following the storyline can get mundane; a few surprises could “jolt” the audience back into rapt attention as the narrative unfolds.
Alas, surprises don’t come, meaning only the body count is truly notable by film’s end. That’s not a great thing to hang an endorsement on, but it is something, and I do believe those eager to see “Triple 9” will not be disappointed. They just won’t be all that thrilled with it either.
Did you know?
The film shot in and around Atlanta, which is also where Reedus shoots “The Walking Dead.”