A trio of brothers serving as New York City police officers find themselves in the middle of a messy police investigation in the thriller PRIDE AND GLORY. Ray Tierney, played by Edward Norton, is placed on a special investigation unit created by his father Francis, following the killing of four NYPD officers during an apparent drug bust. Ray’s brother, Francis, Jr. was in command of the four slain officers, while his brother-in-law Jimmy also serves on the force. The investigation threatens not only the future of the New York police department, but also the Tierney’s and their legacy. 
PRIDE AND GLORY feels like an attempt to revive the popular 1970’s police corruption thrillers. The setting is New York City, the action involves both hand-to-hand combat and gunplay and the atmospheric tone created by director Gavin O’Connor feels both gritty and real. Somewhere between the realistic atmosphere and authentic family dynamics, O’Connor and NARC scribe Joe Carnahan let the script get overrun with testosterone-laced moments that turn a somewhat tense family thriller into a ludicrous and overblown morality tale. The performances are very compelling enabling the fairly standard script into feeling like something new. Norton, one of the finest actors of his generation, shows why, giving Ray a tough demeanor, but revealing a fractured individual underneath the exterior. Farrell is also terrific, creating a menacing officer who will do anything to protect his name and his family. Some of Jimmy’s interrogation techniques would make 24’s Jack Bauer cringe. Noah Emmerich and Jon Voigt are also good rounding out the family of officers. In spite of its acting, PRIDE AND GLORY implodes towards its conclusion. A preposterous final act left O’Connor and Carnahan with neither pride nor glory.
Grade: C
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