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Exploring the Flaws of Mob Cops

The gangster genre currently enjoys a resurgence, with films like Guy Ritchie’s MobLand making significant waves in the streaming landscape. Lionsgate’s latest contribution, Mob Cops, aims to shine a light on what it claims to be the most severe case of corruption in the history of the New York Police Department. This assertion, however, invites skepticism considering the extensive history of police scandals in the city. Regrettably, the film often stumbles over cliché tough-guy dialogue—lines that frequently border on cringeworthy—and poor decision-making that even characters from classic movies like GoodFellas would likely not endorse. Directed by Danny A. Abeckaser and penned by Kosta Kondilopoulos, this film starring David Arquette is likely to linger in the shadows of more revered gangster epics.

A Profane Drinking Game, Anyone?

Rating: 1.5 / 5

Release Date: April 25, 2025

Runtime: 87 Minutes

Director: Danny A. Abeckaser

Writer: Kosta Kondilopoulos

Producer: Kyle Stefanski

Pros & Cons

• Finally becomes intriguing towards the conclusion.
• Weakly written, with excessive reliance on profanity.
• Feels derivative of much better films.

The film’s first hour is burdened by an avalanche of lackluster and profane dialogue that may prompt viewers to abandon ship before the credits roll. For comparison, Martin Scorsese’s infamous use of profanity in The Wolf of Wall Street managed to captivate audiences, while series like Deadwood elevated vulgar language to Shakespearean heights. In contrast, Mob Cops strives for a gritty aesthetic, yet lacks any charm or creativity in its execution.

The narrative follows two jaded NYPD detectives who find themselves drawn into a web of corruption. The first is Leo Bennetti, portrayed by Jeremy Luke, whose demeanor often resembles a comedic caricature. He faces minimal consequences for his alleged police misconduct, much to the disbelief of younger, principled detectives like Tim Delgado, played by Abeckaser.

Delgado emerges as the moral compass of the film, driving its plot as he attempts to untangle a complex web of corruption. The narrative includes well-executed transitions between the past and present, marking one of the film’s few successes. Flashbacks to the 1980s and 90s reveal Bennetti, a real-life former officer, at the height of his corrupt activities—exhibiting a misguided sense of invincibility, bolstered by his partner, Sammy Canzano (Arquette).

Bo Dietl Steals the Show (Or What There Is of It)

Among the various characters reminiscent of Scorsese’s works, Bo Dietl’s performance as a prison inmate named Sherman stands out. Delgado interrogates him as the investigation unfolds, which includes notable interactions with his hot-headed former partner, Galiano (Joseph Russo). These compelling exchanges reveal the extent of corrupt dealings, uncovering the grim truth of Bennetti’s and Canzano’s actions.

As the narrative progresses, Bennetti’s decision to publish a book detailing his mob connections ignites Delgado’s investigation. Once the detective believes he has sufficient evidence, he persuades his skeptical superior (Kevin Connolly) to make an arrest.

Better Served as a Documentary

Connolly’s casting as the hard-nosed boss feels particularly unconvincing, as he appears perpetually youthful. This casting choice, along with Arquette’s lackluster performance, detracts from the film’s credibility as a gritty police drama. Canzano’s erratic decisions throughout the story further complicate the plot; one moment he admonishes Bennetti for recklessness, and the next he is negotiating mob deals on their behalf.

The narrative juggles a multitude of elements, and it arguably would have benefited from focusing on the climactic final act. Here, Delgado employs an undercover officer posing as a filmmaker to elicit confessions from Bennetti, creating what could be the most engaging part of the entire film. Unfortunately, significant time is wasted in the lead-up, diluting the potential impact of these pivotal scenes. The film culminates with a title card stating, “To this day, this is seen as the worst case of corruption in the history of the NYPD.” Unfortunately, the lackluster setup and excessive profanity render the experience disappointing, even for aficionados of the genre.

Set for release in theaters and on various digital platforms on April 25, Mob Cops seeks to tackle deep-seated issues within the NYPD, but ultimately misses the mark.

Source
movieweb.com