Renowned Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe continues to build upon his esteemed career with his latest cinematic endeavor, “Sleeping Dogs.” Adam Cooper made his directorial debut with the film and co-wrote the script with Bill Collage. The film is an adaptation of the novel THE BOOK OF MIRRORS by Romanian writer E.O. Chirovici.
Roy Freeman (Crowe), a former detective in homicide, is faced with the challenge of revisiting a case that he cannot recollect. The case involves Isaac (Pacharo Mzembe), a man who is currently on death row for the murder of Waterford College professor Joseph (Marton Csokas). Linking up with his former partner Jimmy (Tommy Flanagan). As Freeman sorts through the evidence of a murder investigation that is ten years old and delves deeper, he uncovers a network of treacherous secrets and betrayals that link to his past. Despite his uncertainty and reliance solely on his instincts, Freeman discovers a chilling truth that sometimes, it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.
One of the most significant issues with “Sleeping Dogs” is its lackluster character development. The characters are one-dimensional and need more depth, making it difficult for viewers to connect with or care about their fates. As a result, the movie fails to evoke any real emotional investment from the viewer, leaving them feeling disconnected from the story. Not to mention, everyone in the cast is only here for a check with the usually reliable Karen Gillan on autopilot for the bulk of the film,
In the genre of mystery, the movie’s storytelling approach must be more transparent and coherent. The plot is conveyed through various perspectives and timelines, making it challenging to comprehend and thus detracting from the story’s overall coherence. This jumbled narrative style makes it difficult for the audience to remain engaged with the plot, resulting in an unsatisfying and fragmented viewing experience.
Furthermore, the resolution of the central mystery in the movie lacks the depth and intrigue that the audience anticipates. The plot twists and turns introduced by the script feel forced and contrived, failing to deliver the emotional resonance that would have made the reveal more impactful. The buildup of suspense and tension throughout the film is not matched by the end payoff, leaving viewers feeling unfulfilled and underwhelmed. As a result, the film fails to deliver on its promise of a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.
Final Grade: D+
“Sleeping Dogs” is in limited theaters now.
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