"The Sweeney" with Ray Winstone and Damian Lewis (2012)

It’s hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys in this action packed thriller, which takes place in modern day London. Detective Inspector Jack Regan, played by Ray Winstone, along with a handpicked squad of fellow detectives, are an elite team known as the “Flying Squad”, answerable only to themselves as they clean up the London Underworld.

Despite the criticism of a liberal press, as well as his own superior; played by Damian Lewis; for his methods, Detective Regan does bring home the bacon. With a slew of cases already solved, he is now on the trail of a master criminal and a major bank robbery, all of which are set to happen soon. The biggest obstacle in the way of the “Flying Squad” just may be the very people they are trying to protect.

Directed with a mean punch; by a man ironically named Nick Love; this film moves at a frenetic pace as it delves into the dual questions of what is right or wrong; and when is wrong right? Written tightly and realistically by John Hodge, the screenplay by Mr. Love is carefully crafted to keep you tuned into the twists and turns of this film.

Apparently, this film is based upon a show of the same name from the 1970’s British television show of the same name. Now that I have been properly introduced to the characters, I will have to look out for the original shows. Looks like I’ll be heading to You Tube.

"Carlito's Way" with Al Pacino and Sean Penn (1993)

There are no friends in the drug game. That’s something you learn real young. And Carlito, played by Al Pacino, learned his lesson well. But did it stick? After 5 years in prison for trafficking in drugs; mostly heroin; he intends to go straight. But, when Carlito accompanies his cousin on a drug buy, things change.

His attorney, David Kleinfeld; played brilliantly by Sean Penn; has changed in the 5 years his client has been in jail. He has become a lawyer for the mob, with a cocaine habit to boot. When his mob bosses discover that he has stolen $1 million dollars from them, he turns to the newly released Carlito to help him stay alive. Feeling that he owes his lawyer a favor for getting his 30 year sentence commuted, he lends a hand in breaking one of the mobsters out of jail; in this case, a Rikers Island prison barge in New York. When Carlito discovers that his lawyer is nothing but a gangster himself; all the rules change.

As Carlito strives to become a legitimate nightclub owner, he finds himself more and more involved in his attorney’s problems. All of this drama puts a strain on his relationship with his old girlfriend, Gail; played by the always lovely Penelope Ann Miller; who is pregnant with his child. Still, Carlito feels obligated to do one this last favor for his lawyer and then move to the Bahamas, taking Gail with him. But once again, circumstances arise which make this goal impossible.

The film is also a good snapshot of the disco era and the cocaine epidemic which swept the nation during the 1970's. And, with great character acting by Luiz Guzman, as Carlito’s bodyguard; and John Leguizamo,  as Benny Blanco of the Bronx;  this film has a raw edge which will even have you forgiving Al Pacino’s less than perfect Hispanic accent. A very fast paced movie directed by Brian De Palma, from David Koepp’s screenplay of Edwin Torres novel, make this film one you will want to revisit from time to time.