Movie Review: 1992

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B-

A fun and thought-provoking heist movie. 

This film takes place against the backdrop of the 1992 LA riots. Two stories are told here. One about a group of criminals trying to pull off a massive heist. Another about an African American man trying to raise his son among all the racial unrest going on. 

The heist story may be something simple and familiar, but it works quite well. One reason for this is that the film takes its time building up the stakes before going into the action. In the third act, this becomes an all-out action film. However, this action packed third act, works so well because of the successful build up. It doesn't help that the execution on the action scenes is a whole lot of fun. The characters may not be complex, but they work quite well. We truly like the heroes, and we truly hate the villains, and this is sometimes all you need from an action flick. Great performances from Tyrese Gibson, Scott Eastwood, and Ray Liotta (in his last film role), helps make these characters engaging to watch. Though the basic story is familiar, it keeps you engaged and never loses your attention. 

The social commentary in this movie is very well done. Though the riots are mostly used as a backdrop, but the film takes a surprisingly complex look at them. The film doesn't wholly praise them as the right course of action, but it also takes a very sympathetic and understanding look at those rioting. The one thing this movie does come right out and condemn is horrifyingly dangerous absurdity of racism. One scene involving a couple of cops pulling our hero and his son over is chilling and will rightfully make you angry. The riots being used as a backdrop also help this film stand out from so many similar heist films. 

Admittedly because the movie often delves into familiar clichés, the story becomes all too predictable. There is never a single doubt about how the film will end. There are also too many plot points that simply don't make sense but with this type of film that is simply what we expect anymore. 

Despite its familiarity, this is a very engaging action thriller that also leaves some food for thought.