“Street Kings” is an action/drama film about Det. Tom Ludlow (Keanu Reeves), a veteran alcoholic cop who has always bent the rules on the job.

Trying to move on from his wife’s death, he finds out his former partner, Det. Terrence Washington (Terry Crews), is going to rat out him and some other dirty cops. Ludlow’s superior, Capt. Jack Wander (Forest Whitaker), tells him not to worry, and that he’ll take care of Washington.

Ludlow confronts Washington in a convenience store when two gang bangers shoot up the place and kill Washington. During the gun fight, Ludlow accidentally shoots Washington in the shoulder, and the surveillance tape makes Ludlow look like an accomplice. Ludlow then sets out to find Washington’s killers.

This film was surprisingly good. It’s different from the trailer that audiences will see. The film seemed to be influenced by “The Shield” and other similar films. Reeves’ performance is actually believable.

The acting in the film is pretty good overall. There were a couple of characters that didn’t need to be in the film, however. Whitaker’s performance was good, but it wasn’t as powerful since I’ve already seen him on “The Shield.”

The film took a while to be made with a lot of people attached to it. Spike Lee and Oliver Stone were supposed to direct at one time, and Sean Penn was originally supposed to play Ludlow. Also, interesting side note,the O.J. Simpson trial was the inspiration for the screenplay.

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 4