"16 Blocks" is a fast paced, action packed, "get the witness safely to court on time", shoot-them-up thriller starring Bruce Willis, Mos Def and David Morse.
Directed by Richard Donner, who also directed the Lethal Weapon movies and Superman II, and written by Richard Wenk this film carries ... Read review
Bruce Willis hits the mark as Jack Mosley, a broken-down New York City police detective ... more
assigned to escort a petty criminal (Mos Def) from the precinct to the courthouse. The seemingly simple 16 block journey becomes a test of character for them when Jack's ex-partners attempt to stop them. It's the gripping story of how two men change each other during a tense 118-minute struggle between life and death.
Action/Adventure - Director: Peter Jackson - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2003 - Action/Adventure - Director: The Wachowski Brothers - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Monica Bellucci
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Advantages: Fast paced and action packed Disadvantages: Cannot hear one character's dialogue properly
...jail cell to the courthouse 16 blocks away, 118 minutes tops, deadline 10am. What could go wrong?
Well, Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) is no ordinary prisoner; in return for immunity he must appear on time as star witness for the prosecution. Quirkily superstitious Bunker sees 'signs' in everything around him and believes it was his good fortune to be in the 'right place at the right time' so that he can now trade what he knows for his freedom. ... ...on time to a courthouse 16 blocks away.
== Opinion ==
Bruce Willis (star of the 'Die Hard' movies, Sixth Sense, Twelve Monkeys, etc.) is actually rather good in the role of world-weary, depressed, aging, out-of-shape soak. Greyish makeup, grey moustache, fake paunch, and something of a limp all add to the image. Nice pathos. Part of my fascination with this character is because we never learn why Mosley is a broken man, but ... more
"16 Blocks" is a fast paced, action packed, "get the witness safely to court on time", shoot-them-up thriller starring Bruce Willis, Mos Def and David Morse.
Directed by Richard Donner, who also directed the Lethal Weapon movies and Superman II, and written by Richard Wenk this film carries a "12" certificate.
Synopsis
Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) is an aging and burned-out NYPD detective. Maybe once upon a time he was one of New York's finest, but now he is a haunted, out-of-shape, shadow of his former self. Retirement probably cannot come too soon, but until then booze fogs his mind and gets him through each day. A mix of loyalty for one of their own and affection for the man he once was allows his colleagues to not 'make a fuss' about his clear failings, but they cannot totally ignore them. Whereas Mosley was once a vital team member at the heart of the action, his involvement is now trivial and lies on the periphery, and he is trusted only with tasks that really should be assigned to the most junior of officers.
At the end of another undemanding liquor-assisted nightshift a tired Mosley is heading home, but the lieutenant, short of an officer, persuades him to do one final quick job. He simply has to escort a young petty criminal from his jail cell to the courthouse 16 blocks away, 118 minutes tops, deadline 10am. What could go wrong?
Well, Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) is no ordinary prisoner; in return for immunity he must appear on time as star witness for the prosecution. Quirkily superstitious Bunker sees 'signs' in everything around him and believes it was his good fortune to be in the 'right place at the right time' so that he can now trade what he knows for his freedom. However, there are others who think he was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' and are out to stop him at any price.
True to form Mosley cannot survive without a 'liquid breakfast' so parks up opposite a discount liquor store and disappears leaving his charge handcuffed in the rear of the unmarked police car. Hired thugs seize this opportunity to 'take out' Bunker, but just as the would-be assassin is standing by the car window about to take a direct close-up shot something astonishing occurs. Some long buried instinct kicks in and Mosley snaps back to clear-headed, steady-handed, sharp-shooting reality and Bunker is saved and together they flee their murderous pursuers.
Holed up in a local bar both are relieved to be quickly joined by a team of NYPD detectives headed by Mosley's ex-partner Detective Frank Nugent (David Morse). Having been together on the force more than twenty years Nugent understands Mosley's character and says he will deal with Bunker and invites his badly shaken friend to steady his nerves with a bottle of whiskey. However, Mosley notices Bunker's anxious reaction to one of the detectives, and the truth of the situation slowly begins to dawn on him. Yes, Bunker is a star witness for the prosecution, but not against other criminals. Bunker is to testify against corrupt officers.
Muzzy-headed, weary, and bewildered Mosley fights to collect his thoughts while Nugent relentlessly bombards him with 'reasonable' arguments for sticking by his fellow detectives and allowing them to take Bunker. Slowly the old inner Mosley begins to surface and knows he has to 'try to do a good thing'.
So begins a deadly cat-and-mouse, 'bad cops vs. good cop', chase across New York as Mosley races to deliver the witness on time to a courthouse 16 blocks away.
Opinion
Bruce Willis (star of the 'Die Hard' movies, Sixth Sense, Twelve Monkeys, etc.) is actually rather good in the role of world-weary, depressed, aging, out-of-shape soak. Greyish makeup, grey moustache, fake paunch, and something of a limp all add to the image. Nice pathos. Part of my fascination with this character is because we never learn why Mosley is a broken man, but near the start of the film, when he looks up to check the squad room clock, the shot also hovers on a poster that says "Every 48 hours a child is killed unintentionally with a firearm", so perhaps the director intends this as a small clue.
Mos Def (rapper/hip-hop musician and actor in The Italian Job, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, etc.) plays the part of happy-go-lucky, fast-talking, irritating, and slightly deluded Eddie Bunker superbly. But why, oh why, was he directed to adopt such an annoying nasal accent? He sounds like a whining cartoon character cross between Donald Duck and Elma Fudd. At first I could hardly make out anything he was saying and actually had to restart the movie with the subtitles turned on. Yes, it was that bad! Ultimately, by the latter part of the film I had adjusted to his voice, but it still really grated.
David Morse (roles in The Green Mile, House M.D., The Long Kiss Goodnight, etc.) brings off a fine performance that has to tread a difficult line between desperate yet loyal ex-partner and manipulative cold-hearted associate. Part of the suspense is that Nugent's attachment to Mosley, and hence how far he will truly go to prevent him saving Bunker, is ambiguous.
Other actors playing supporting characters that link the drama together perform satisfactorily, but none are memorable. Willis, Def and Morse really dominate.
The story is somewhat implausible. Why is such an important witness in a police corruption case being transported in such a casual way, and how good a witness would a dippy character like Bunker really make anyway? However, I have seen worse and this film is not overlong and races on nicely.
Throughout there are some great moments of suspense when you think Mosley and Bunker are cornered, but then there is a nice little fast twist.
One criticism is that strangely there is no tension created by knowing how far they are from the courthouse. They occasionally look at a watch or clock, so you know time is running out, but you don't actually know how many blocks they still have to cover.
There is a little music used to emphasis mood and tempo, but it is very subtle and mostly percussive. The main background is the relentless cacophony of the noises of the bustling city streets (actually filmed in Toronto not New York) - hissing of hydraulic brakes, squealing of wheels, clunking of car doors, human chatter, car horns, mobile phones, all build a sense of confusion and panic. The quality of individual sounds is very crisp. The same applies to the scenes shot in the secret streets beneath China Town.
Overall, this is a nice little action thriller, but I might have enjoyed it more if I could have made out all the dialogue. Rating main feature as 6/10.
Subtitles
Subtitles and subtitles-for-the-hearing-impaired are in English and German only. I used the 'English for the hearing impaired' ones and they seemed quite accurate.
DVD Special Features
1. Deleted scenes
The deleted scenes are accompanied by commentary from Richard Donner (director) and Richard Wenk (writer). The two of them in discussion makes uncomfortable viewing; wearing fake smiles, they seem ill at ease as they give their slightly barbed analysis of why scenes did not work and were dropped. The deleted scenes are not themselves that interesting, and it is understandable why they were omitted, but the hint at the strained relationship between director and writer is fascinating.
2. Alternative ending
Advertised on the front of the DVD as "shocking alternate ending not seen in cinemas". Well acted, and I prefer this final outcome for Mosley, but I am not sure that Nugent's actions are believable given his earlier behaviour during the film. It might have been plausible if there had been more insight into the history and relationship between Mosley and Nugent.
3. Theatrical Trailer
Interesting if you like to see how the film was promoted. I enjoyed it.
Price Guide
I paid £5 for this DVD at my local supermarket some time ago. A recent check of the Internet showed second-hand copies selling for as little as £0.50 plus modest P&P on eBay and £0.99 plus £2.75 P&P on Amazon.
Advantages: Some good performances in a reasonable thriller Disadvantages: Too opened out, and the baddy realy does stink
...Superman returning, and the actual 16 Blocks itself, and the only extras amount to 26 minutes. These are director Donner and the film's writer introducing and talking annoyingly over several deleted and extended scenes, and introducing a very different ending. It's a little hard to judge as this version isn't scored, colour-corrected or completely polished, but clearly the right one was seen in the flicks.
What we're told is very little - we infer ... ...his shoe for the shoot, but otherwise there's little in the way of learning to be done. The film-makers talk about chopping lots out to save an itchy bum, but the film is only 100 minutes or so, and OK, some of the cropped scenes are unneeded, but one trimmed as unworthy riffing shows the case again that Willis and Def together are the good reason for watching this film.
The disc comes with German dubbing, and hard of hearing subtitles for both ...
theediscerning 21.05.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of 16 Blocks (DVD)
Advantages: Special effects, David Morse Disadvantages: Willis, Mos Def, general final cut
...given the right screen setting. 16 Blocks is the latest in a line of 'why did he do that?' films from Hollywood hard hitters including Arnie, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Sly Stallone. 16 Blocks gives us a taste of what Willis used to have but smokescreens it behind an alcoholic cop character with such high morality that it begs you to disbelieve it. So, is there anything enjoyable about it? Read on....
The Plot
Willis plays Detective Jack Mosely, ... ...witness Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) 16 blocks to the courthouse. Mosely and Bunker encounter hostility as someone tries to stop Bunker from testifying, and Mosley finds himself as the one who must protect him from the assailants. Things tuen nasty as corruption within the police force starts creeping through as the main reason for the attacks, and Mosley must draw on all of his resources as a veteran cop to protect his witness and his own life.
The Cast ...
pmcds 17.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of 16 Blocks (DVD)
Advantages: Action sequences are great, engaging characters. Disadvantages: Ending is flat.
...solid cinema entertainment, with Hostage, 16 Blocks and Die Hard 4.0 all proving the dynamism of the actor. Despite the advancing years and receding hairline, Willis can still match his previous performances with the same gusto and authority.
16 Blocks, released in 2006, is familiar grouind for Willis, allowing him to use his tongue in cheek humour and star status to create yet another likeable and emotionally fraught character. The similarity in ... ...his kids. His character in 16 Blocks is on a par with these two films, with Willis playing a drunken and crippled cop seeking to put an end to the corruption and dishonesty prevalent in modern day police practice, while also trying to sort out his own life.
Willis plays Detective Jack Mosley, an embittered and frankly shabby looking cop spending his days drinking on the job and upset with the path his life has taken. He sports an uncharacteristically ...
bigmike33 11.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of 16 Blocks (DVD)
Advantages: Mos Def's character Eddy Disadvantages: Mod Def's character's voice
...but I couldn't help it. 16 Blocks caught my eye and thus I starved in its name. The Story
The film starts at a crime scene, some latin gangsters have been murdered and the police officer in charge wants to get an "unimportant" officer to cover the crime scene, an aged out of shape Bruce Willis walks in with a newspaper and plants himself on a seat and takes out a hip flask of whiskey. He plays a charcter called Jack Moseley, an old tired police ... ...testimoney, just the shortdistance of 16 blocks. Here we meet Eddie Bunker, played by Mos Def, that might mean alot to some hiphop fans, I didn't know of him until this film. His charcter is so annoying at first he is really hard to make out with his weird cartoon charcter chatty voice. You get used to it after a while sort of but it is annoying and it would have been better if they had a character you could understand. So Jack and Eddy are on their ...
Phelthew 01.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of 16 Blocks (DVD)
Advantages: Some good Co-stars, Well Directed Disadvantages: Very slow in places. Expected more from Bruce Willis.
16 Blocks (2006)
Directed by Richard Donner & written by Richard Wenk.
A what seems to be coming up to Retirement Cop Jack Mosley (Willis), heads off to work looking half dead. He gets an assgnment that he really doesn't want, but annoyingly accepts. He needs to transport a Witness to the Court in time for a hearing, but due to the nature of the hearing, the other cops are not on their side. Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) is witness to some dodgy cop dealings, ... ...to the Court which is 16 Blocks away (hence the film title), doesn't go to plan. A chase entails with Mosley and Bunker doing about all they can do to get to the Court in time for the 10 O'clock hearing. By the way they have less than 2 Hours to do this. To cut a drawn out story short, just when you think things are starting to get moving the film slows down yet again. The pair get caught in a few situations that you think they can't get out of, ...
ShellyQ1975 27.10.2006 (28.10.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of 16 Blocks (DVD)
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Advantages: Good performances,decent action,fast paced Disadvantages: Bit predictable in places.
and characters to develop at a steady pace.The film feels a bit like a 70's thriller with the plot given as much importance as the action.
The action scenes in Bruce williis movies have always been good value,and 16Blocks is no different.Shootouts,car crashes and foot chases mark the film's premise perfectly.For Bruce Willis the dvd is defintley worth buying as it has a good story and repeat value.However compared to the Die Hard movies and the Jackal,it lacks their scale,budget and way out WOW action..
Overall though a good film and a decent addition to anyones action collection. ...
Advantages: It's a capable thriller Disadvantages: There is nothing new here
Washed-up New York detective Jack Mosley is just about to clock off when he is told by his superior to escort a petty criminal from the lock-up to the courthouse sixteen blocks away. The journey should only take a few minutes, but that's without taking into account the sinister forces that want Eddie Bunker dead. If he testifies, he threatens to bring down the police force that is riddled with corruption. Trying to stop him is Frank Nugent, a figure from Jack's past who offers him the chance to walk away in return for his ward's life. But Jack chooses to do the right thing, putting his own life on the line. So he's in a race against time and the bad guys to get to the courthouse intact.
Director Richard Donner knows a thing or two about action having directed "Superman" and the "Lethal Weapon" movies. But "16Blocks" is a much rawer ...
afy9mab 04.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of 16 Blocks (DVD)
Advantages: Bruce Disadvantages: Whats with Def accent?
Bruce Willis hits the mark as a worn out NYPD officer (Jack Mosley) assigned to escort a petty criminal, played by Mos Def, from the precinct to the courthouse. The seemingly simple 16-Block journey becomes a test of character for them when fellow cops turned bad guys (headed up by David Morse) want Def dead. A simple drive that should have only taken 12 minutes, now takes 2 hours of stomach clenching suspense
16Blocks resembles TV's "24" in many ways. It is a real time movie, it's rough, and it moves a fast pace. All of these are reasons I completely enjoyed this film. Bruce Willis returns to form as a tired, drinking cop who has had a really long day. Mos Def provides a great supporting role as a scared baker, it takes a while to understand what he is saying but once you get past that hurdle, he is very funny, witty and has all ...
A veteran NYPD cop with a drink problem has to transport a petty thief to the courthouse where he is to testify before the Grand Jury. However, the officer and his charge become the target of someone who wants to keep the thief from appearing in court.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
WARNER HOME VIDEO; CINRAM LOGISTICS, BOULEVARD ENTERTAIMENT; D3 DIRECT
Release date
21/08/2006
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
D 081040
Barcode
7321900810401
Languages
Main Language
English
Professional reviews
Review
That 16 BLOCKS more readily evokes the likes of SERPICO and PRINCE OF THE CITY, both directed by Sidney Lumet, is indicative of a more mature approach to the themes of police corruption and personal redemption (Sight And Sound, 05/09/2006)
Technical information
Sound
Dolby Digital
DVD Description
16 BLOCKS is a tale of corrupt police officers, a Grand Jury witness, and one cop who is trying to do the right thing. Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) is weary. A lame leg and a love affair with alcohol make him a virtual joke at the NYPD. Tired and ready to head home, Mosley is assigned one last job before he can punch out: pick up petty thief Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) in lock-up and transport him to the courthouse where he is set to testify before the Grand Jury. Only 16 New York City blocks separate the two, but it might as well be a million miles. Soon, the officer and his charge find themselves under fire, becoming the target of someone who wants to keep Bunker from testifying. Escaping the initial attack, Mosley calls for backup only to discover that corrupt police officers, including his ex-partner Frank Nugent (David Morse), want Bunker out of the picture. Mosley surprises everyone--maybe even himself--by doing the right thing and saving Bunker from certain death. With only 118 minutes to get the witness to the courthouse before the case will be thrown out, Mosley pulls out every trick in the book. He manoeuvres Bunker through the crowded, confined streets of Manhattan's Chinatown towards their destination, trying to avoid the police officers who are hunting them down as they race against time. Willis fully inhabits Mosley--a washed-up cop who is haunted by his past decisions--and Mos Def is right on target as Bunker, a chatty career criminal being hunted just as he is ready to turn his life around and make something of himself.
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