16 BLOCKS

Bruce Willis attempts to get Mos Def to court on time in director Richard Donner’s latest action picture, 16 BLOCKS. Willis is police detective Jack Mosley, a detective whose better days are behind him, and is more or less relegated to desk duty. In a rare field assignment, Jack is given the task of escorting convicted criminal Eddie Bunker to court, approximately 16 blocks from the jail house. Eddie and Jack’s trip to court becomes increasingly dangerous, when an attempt on Eddie’s life occurs.

The best of Donner’s action films have placed as much emphasis on characterization as they have action. 16 BLOCKS is in this same vein, highlighting the conflict and instability of both Jack and Eddie, while surrounding the characters with taut situations and dangerous predicaments. The highlight of the film is Willis’ performance, turning a standard Willis role, hero cop, into something different. Jack’s flawed disposition, oft-kilter morals and past-his-prime physique fit like a glove for Willis. Despite his new aura, Willis still provides a determined individual who finds justice not only for Eddie, but himself. Donner does a nice job defining the diverse duo, and leaving plenty of time for the director’s madcap action. A couple of car chases, several shootouts and a well-executed hostage stand-off provide enough action to keep the film cooking. 16 BLOCKS doesn’t break any new ground for the genre, but it is a subtle change for both Donner and Willis.

Grade: B-