16 Blocks (2006)
In this fun, tense, exciting, well-acted thriller, policeman Bruce Willis is tasked with escorting prisoner Mos Def, set to testify in an important court case, from the station to the courthouse. It’s only sixteen blocks—hence the title—and since he has two hours to do it, what can possibly go wrong?
Set in real time, this movie unfolds beautifully and builds tension for the entire running time. Bruce Willis starts the movie off extremely tired, having worked all night, and for the start of the sixteen blocks, he’s sluggish and uninterested. He even leaves Mos Def in the car while he stops in a convenience store, but that’s when the trouble begins. Someone doesn’t want them to make it to the courthouse, and as the unlikely pair try to outrun the bad guys, they discover they’ll need every minute of what once seemed like a long time.
Once again, Mos Def’s performance is incredibly impressive, and his subtle but intense energy lights up the screen. If you’ve never seen him in a movie, you only have a handful to choose from, but whichever one you decide to watch first, you’ll probably be impressed. Watching his character transformations makes you wish he didn’t retire. Bruce Willis also gets a chance to show this isn’t just another action movie, so if you’re just looking for another Die Hard, this isn’t it. If you like your action movies with some acting, you’ll enjoy this one. I certainly did!
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There are a few chase scenes, and the handheld camera might make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Bruce Willis movies here!
Set in real time, this movie unfolds beautifully and builds tension for the entire running time. Bruce Willis starts the movie off extremely tired, having worked all night, and for the start of the sixteen blocks, he’s sluggish and uninterested. He even leaves Mos Def in the car while he stops in a convenience store, but that’s when the trouble begins. Someone doesn’t want them to make it to the courthouse, and as the unlikely pair try to outrun the bad guys, they discover they’ll need every minute of what once seemed like a long time.
Once again, Mos Def’s performance is incredibly impressive, and his subtle but intense energy lights up the screen. If you’ve never seen him in a movie, you only have a handful to choose from, but whichever one you decide to watch first, you’ll probably be impressed. Watching his character transformations makes you wish he didn’t retire. Bruce Willis also gets a chance to show this isn’t just another action movie, so if you’re just looking for another Die Hard, this isn’t it. If you like your action movies with some acting, you’ll enjoy this one. I certainly did!
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There are a few chase scenes, and the handheld camera might make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Bruce Willis movies here!