November 6, 2024

SLEEPING DOGS (2024) – Watchable only because of Russell Crowe

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Rating: ⭐⭐

This is strictly a paint by number sort of thriller that seems to be written by a computer. The premise involves an ex cop, Roy, who is suffering from memory loss as a result of an accident with him involving driving under the influence. Russell Crowe plays this less than perfect example of a good cop. He is faced with trying to piece together a crime that he helped solve some years back which involved a brutal murder. Conveniently for the plot to progress. he is given some sort of revolutionary new drug that may help trigger his memory back over time. Naturally this doesn’t happen until some crucial point in the plot to provide some sort of twist.

I do admit that the overall plot to have someone who has limited memory try to solve a murder is intriguing. But the credibility of the story diminishes as the plot progresses with characters and events presented that just appear to be devices to move the narration along to its predictable conclusion. The whole film was also shot with little imagination and just comes across as looking ordinary. Perhaps this is what films would look like if they were to be directed by a computer program! Apart from the main character Roy, all the other characters are not interesting, and they just come and go. Luckily for us, Russell Crowe held his role with more dignity despite all the shortcomings. Although this reminds us of one of those endless supply of movies with Liam Neeson, like Liam Neeson, Russell Crowe himself remains immune to the poor quality surrounding his film productions.

The twist at the end is a little bit obvious and the film’s title sort of gives a hint of what to expect. I would not really recommend this film unless you are a Russell Crowe fan. Otherwise, I would say give this a miss as there are other better thrillers around.

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