A decent urban drama despite it's glaring flaws.

Rating: 7/10 (13 December 2001)

Solid acting and writing rescue this film from director Antione Fuqua's glossy approach to the material (the Hughes Brothers would have made a much better choice)and a weak ending. The film is anchored by a strong central performance by Denzel and a well written screenplay, but the overall execution lacks the grit this type of subject matter demands.