Great 'western style' shootout in a good detective thriller!

Rating: 7/10 (1 March 2018)

Even after twenty years the movie holds up well. It's entertaining with lots of action and the usual necessary plot twists. Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey deliver outstanding performances well suited to their acting personas. As do Guy Pearce (Ed Exley) and James Cromwell (Captain Dudley Smith).
The movie starts off slow and threatens to become just a glamorous 'film noire.' However, make it through the first hour and the plot develops well with plenty of action to keep one interested. (Yes, it's a long movie with a running time of two hours and twenty minutes!)
Through a well crafted plot the film touches upon racism, corruption, politics and even gender issues. Characters develop well along with the plot; none can be judged on first impressions.
If for no other reason, the movie is watchable simply for the shootout scene which comes late in the film. A masterful piece of filmwork to rival the best of spaghetti Westerns!
A good film which has aged well. A special treat for detective film fans.