As in the original Rocky, underdog Sylvester Stallone goes the distance and acquits himself opposite such dramatic heavyweights as Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta and Robert De Niro. James Mangold's urban western is set in a New Jersey town that is home to a close-knit clique of cops under the influence of corrupt Keitel. Stallone reportedly put on 40 pounds for the role of sheriff Freddy Heflin, a patsy who gets his chance at redemption when he is recruited by Internal Affairs investigator De Niro to expose a Keitel-orchestrated coverup. The ending, a Rambo-style shootout, is a disappointing copout, but as a showcase for this estimable ensemble, this arresting thriller is just the ticket. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[Blu-ray Review—Nov. 8, 2011—Lionsgate, 116 min., R, $14.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1997's Cop Land boasts a solid transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Blu-ray extras are identical to the DVD release, including audio commentary (by writer-director James Mangold, producer Cathy Konrad, and costars Sylvester Stallone and Robert Patrick), a “making-of” featurette (15 min.), deleted scenes (5 min.), a storyboard comparison (2 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a winning Blu-ray debut for a fine drama.]
Cop Land
(Miramax, 105 min., R, avail. Apr. 21) Vol. 13, Issue 2
Cop Land
Star Ratings
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