Right off the bat "Narc" grabs your gut with a horrifically violent opening chase scene through the gritty urban back alleys of freezing Detroit. Once this primary sequence of events is completed, you feel like taking a breather, but the director has other plans for us; he builds premise and characters in a fantastically rapid and direct way, leaving out the baggage and bringing what's important. After a half hour into this raw narcotics movie, we relate to the struggles of the characters, understand what's at hand with the upcoming investigation, and are totally involved. What's to come is some very solid acting (good all around, but Liotta definitely steals the show), and enough intertwining plot twists to keep us guessing throughout. Although Carnahan can obviously direct, he's not the greatest writer, and the "who done it" plot seems somewhat elementary in its construction. This isn't to say that it's un-engaging or predictable, because it's certainly not, but it is the story itself that seems to keep this film from greatness. It's probably the best movie out that's available to rent, especially if you like unflinching suspense.
With so many terrible actors and directors currently in the business, Carnahan seems like a God-sent: someone who has that instinctive visual imagination that makes movies so addictive and enough intelligence to keep his films intact. "Narc," his second feature, has a rare combination of ferocity and gentleness; Carnahan seems to know not only how to construct an involving investigation, but also how to convey the complexities of the characters when not on duty. I give it a 7 of 10.
With so many terrible actors and directors currently in the business, Carnahan seems like a God-sent: someone who has that instinctive visual imagination that makes movies so addictive and enough intelligence to keep his films intact. "Narc," his second feature, has a rare combination of ferocity and gentleness; Carnahan seems to know not only how to construct an involving investigation, but also how to convey the complexities of the characters when not on duty. I give it a 7 of 10.