This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Joe Carnahan's Narc is a proper old school ass kicking crime picture, and a blistering one that pulls no punches in the grit department either. Carnahan is clearly in love with the rugged action/genre pieces from the 60's and 70's that he grew up with, and every film he has made so far in his career has been reflective of that, starting with this excellent debut. He comes charging out of the gate as fast as his lead character breathlessly pursues a perp through a run down suburban neighborhood, a sequence of pure visceral brilliance that sets the tone and let's us know he means business. Jason Patric plays Nick, an under cover narcotics officer with a decorated past and the scars to show for it, working the dankest streets of motor city Detroit. When a recently slain fellow officer's case is reopened, he is picked to investigate, joined by the deceased cop's former partner, Lt. Henry Oak (Ray Liotta). In this case, nothing is what it seems, agendas are hidden well, and violence constantly simmers just below the surface of every interaction and exchange of dialogue. This is especially the case with Liotta, who gives a staggering career best performance as a cop on the edge of sanity, justifying his heinous actions on the body of his slain friend. No one knows how to lose their cool like Ray, but here he is downright terrifying, a wild eyed monster and the epitome of the guy not to trust, lest you be driven down the same destructive path. Nick uncovers more secrets than he ever wished to know, and it all comes full circle in an angry, pulse rocketing confrontation that serves as one of the best blow ups in the genre, and goes to show you don't need a huge epic gunfight to cap off your story with style and intensity. Carnahan wisely keeps the fireworks man to man, and intimate in nature, proving once again what intuition he has in the director's chair. Chi Mcbride is always reliable, here playing the gruff police captain, and Busta Rhymes proves yet again that he's one of the few rappers who can actually act, giving a pretty damn committed performance as a thug. Liotta owns this one in pure beast mode, but the team effort is what makes it so special, and a crime classic. Carnahan and Co. have done something timeless for crime films, and raised the bar on the intensity level one can attain when everything is in place, and firing on all cylinders. A powerhouse of a film, and a mini masterpiece.

Why are some good cop films overtly successful and talked about, whereas some good cop films are forgotten too early? Narc has garnered critical acclaim. It also managed to approximately double it's meager 6.5 million budget. So it is a success, and a pretty decent one. However, I think it should have gained a lot more recognition. Moreover, it should be remembered overtime, just as films like se7en(1995) and Serpico(1973) have. It is a very thorough film, it should be ranked among one of the top in the cop film genre. Ray Liotta and Jason Patrick team up as cops who look to investigate the murder of a fellow undercover cop working in the narcotics department. Hence, as they set on course to investigate, the gritty reality of the drugs arena and the internal corruption in the police department come to surface. Narc is an ideal cop film. It has everything. Fast pace, powerful performances, twists, mystery, edge of seat stuff. From the first frame, the pace of the film is set up. The first scene is the gloomy but edgy chase sequence as Jason Patrick runs breathlessly after a junkie. It is dark and intense. Also, the characters come with their own weaknesses. They are not the typical 'macho' cops. They are struggling with their internal demons throughout their journey into the underbelly. Not only that, they don't get along very well with each other. All of the subplots and backstories of the two protagonists have been connected to the focal plot of the film. All the loose ends have been tied up, hence no loopholes in a somewhat layered plot. All these traits make this an entertaining film. But what makes this film compete with classics is the fact that it is not only entertaining, but it also exposes the grit and dirt. The corruption in the police department and the frailty of those working in the narcotics department is portrayed heavily in the film. So no matter how hard one tries, there is nothing lacking or weak in the film that can be pointed out. It stays true to the genre, it doesn't even try to be anything else, just an outstanding cop film. Ray Liotta and Jason Patrick deliver strong performances. Snappy and dark cinematography match the genre's requirements. It also gives it a "noir" feel. Joe Carnahan's direction is spot on. Much like Ben Affleck's Gone Baby Gone(2007), the ending leaves the main character with a tricky choice. Here, Jason Patrick has a choice to hand in the confession tape or not. Both choices will disadvantage someone unfairly, if he hands in the tape, two junkies will be accused of a murder they did not commit, otherwise Calvess's(the cop whose murder investigation was taking place) widow will stop receiving his pension. It's a question of morals, which the film doesn't spoon- feed or preach explicitly. Hence, the ending is left open ended. Overall, the statement that Narc is a good film is an understatement. It is more than good. It is widely established as just a good 2002 cop film, but it should be remembered as more than that.

Pros: Nice cast, tremendous directing, nuanced story, very good actingCons: Slightly predictable From the very first scene you know two things; the directing will be original and somewhat bold, as well as that this will not be your standard crime drama. The characters in this movie feels believable and the acting is superb.The story isn't extremely original in itself, but with all the layers put on it by actors and director, it becomes more diversified than most other movies in the genre. Also, the director never lets the pace up. You're on a ride from the first scene to the last.The only downside, slight predictability, is only slight. I of course cannot expand on it without giving spoilers, so I'll leave it at that.All in all – if you like crime dramas, this is one to put on the list. Even if it turns out not being your cup of tea, you'll at least have enjoyed some really nice craftsmanship.

I loved this movie, great acting all around except maybe for the busta rhymes job and his partner. I really liked the cinematography, kind of neon-ish yellows, reds, purples; dark but not necessarily Sin City dark. It is a movie that will make you see different sides to every story. Liotta, I usually always like and he did not disappoint, and the guy with the mustachio who played his new detective partner also did a great job. It's a movie that deals with drug addiction and inner city crime basically, but it has a very humanistic element. You really see how all the pieces fit together right at the end, and it is a great ending. I only read reviews AFTER I watch movies to see what other opinions were and so if you read this, maybe you'll agree with some points.