Iffy for 16+
Old pros battle brutal vigilante, muddled story.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that from the very first scene at a police target range to the final sequence in which the killer is revealed, this crime thriller is all about guns, bullets, body count, serial murders, bloody victims, and vigilantism. The killer is on a crusade to administer "justice" in cases in which the legal system has failed. Victims are shot at point-blank range in several sequences, and language is consistently crude and harsh. The limited sexuality between two adults is loveless and highlights "rough" sex. A young woman snorts cocaine in a nightclub bathroom.
- Families can talk about why movies that show frustrated people taking matters into their own hands appeal to audiences. What's the difference between a superhero punishing criminals and a more realistic movie in which ordinary citizens act as judge and jury? What are the positives of having a judicial system that gives criminals rights to a fair trial, presumption of innocence, and due process? What are the negatives of this system?
What to watch for
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Violence: Lots of images of point-blank shootings, resulting in bloody deaths; a woman is attacked and beaten by an unseen assailant as she enters bathroom; bloody face of dead 10-year-old girl is revealed; close-range shoot-out between two cops and drug dealers; priest is shot while taking confession; baseball brawl between adult males; beating and kicking of handcuffed suspect by police.
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Sex: Woman appears to be object of stalker and is grabbed from behind -- but then consensual sex begins off-camera; "rough" sex glimpsed briefly once from a distance; sexual innuendo in male-female police banter.
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Language: Constant cursing from beginning to end. Nonstop use of multiple forms of "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole." One racial insult.
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Consumerism: Heinz ketchup seen in foreground.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Several instances of social drinking; one character smokes; a young woman snorts cocaine in nightclub bathroom.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
21st Century Police Proceedural Strikes On Most Notes by Cinema_Pro
The premise of two, veteran police detectives on the NYPD, that have became jilted with the justice system, now faced with unmasking the new serial killer plaguing the NY underbelly works, on most levels. Where the plot falters is that it is slightly predicable who the culprit turns out to be. In addition, the intimate/romantic relationship the DeNiro's character tries to make a connection into the cases, yet feels tacked on for sexual tension/heat, rather than being one of the key characters. Also a proliferation of profanity becomes a detracting element that seems crash and shock-jock, rather than natural dialogue. As someone who has worked with the police, as a security guard, I know that police are more professional and mannered than such actions would depict them to be. I rate this film as a go-see, but not a repeat viewing title/piece.
4
USELESS FAN REVIEW by TXtom
I can't believe there are 213 ratings and only 1 actually saw the movie. That 1 is the only posting here of any value.
I don't give a flying fig if you think you will or will not like it. But I really am interested in knowing if you liked it AFTER YOU SAW IT.
MY WIFE AND I JUST CAME BACK FROM THE MOVIE. IT WAS A PRETTY GOOD MOVIE WITH A COUPLE TWISTS AND TURNS, AND A SURPRISE ENDING. IF YOU NEED TO HAVE A NIGHT OUT, IT'S WORTH WHILE.
CAUTION, I DON'T RATE MOVIES BASED ON ARTISTIC VALUE, CULTURICAL VALUE OR SOCIAL MESSAGE; JUST IF WE ENJOYED IT AND GOT OUR MONEY'S WORTH..
5
Review- 4.5 out of 5 by Tjfkidd
I highly recommend seeing this one guys. Not only is it a great movie but there are a couple things a movie like this should do. One is keep you on the edge of your seat. And the other is make significant changes in the characters throughout the movie so you cannot fully figure a character out. This movie accomplishes both. I really enjoyed it and i think it was all around a great movie. I give Righteous Kill 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4
Great Detective Movie by LinW0724
If you enjoy detective movies, you will enjoy this one. The movie has a lot of twists in it. But if you are an action movie fan, you will be very bored because this movie is not about action, it is about the story, the mystery, and the suspense.
1
So bad it's insulting by ebassford
Even as the credits rolled, I knew I was in for a disappointment. For such a well-hyped movie, it gets off to a slow start. Most of the first hour consists of the main characters getting in and out of cars and having disappointingly polite conversations with police brass, with the occasional cut to someone being shot. I've heard reviews praise De Niro and Pacino's "chemistry" in this movie, but there's only one scene where they really play off each other, and it's at the very end when all the twists have already been revealed. And there's little of either actor's trademark over-the-top aggression. They hardly raise their voices, and the script is far from strong enough to make that interesting. Speaking of twists, I can't imagine that anyone who has ever seen a movie about cops would be surprised by this one.
That being said, I knew I was going to have to see this movie-- I wouldn't have listened, no matter who told me it was bad. So I guess I can't stop you either.
4
Righteous Kill by rikigoya
i enjoyed this movie it kept me thinking through out the whole movie ......if your a De niro and pacino fan its a must see.
1
Wait for TV release by Aunty-Violet
This movie is a total waste of time! It should have been 'made for tv'. The main actors barely acted, the ending was obvious 5 minutes into the movie. It was predictable and plebian at best.
Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro were really too old to be cast as detectives and the idea that the 36-year-old forensics gal would actually want to have sex with Robert Deniro was not believable. Okay, if he was BEING Robert DeNiro, maybe, just for the 'celebrity status'. Bobby and Al are just too old looking to be playing these roles, and when Bobby 'jogs' he looks like a 75-year-old trying to escape from an old folks home (hey! I'm 60, so I CAN talk like this).
Don't waste your money! Go see Tropic Thunder or Traitor instead. Bang for your buck.
1
DEAD ON ARRIVAL by bizbuzz
Like many of you out there, when I first saw the trailer promoting this picture, my reaction was, "Can't wait!" The prospect of seeing these two Hollywood giants sharing the silver screen once more was thrilling. How sad to have to report that it wasn't worth the wait. The one short scene Al and Bobby D shared in Michael Mann's far superior "HEAT" was more satisfying than the entire 100 some-odd minutes of this utter debacle. Every lame cop movie cliche is on display here. The script is incredibly weak, the direction is uneven, and the editing very sloppy, making the story line convoluted and, dare I say, DULL. What a waste of two great talents. My guess is that they were simply in it for the pay day and that "The Writer of 'Inside Man'" was simply riding the wave of that success. When the producers asked him, "What else you got?" my guess is that he pulled this one off the shelf, dusted it off and then nobody bothered to read it. Re-rent "HEAT" and save your $10 bucks.
5
Bad by ef9boy88
Movie was bad ass, If you like Robert Di Nero, or Al Puccino you will definetly like this movie. Had some action, but not a lot. Will have you thinking and trying to figure this movie out all the way through. Turns you in many different directions until it finaly drops on you.
1
Righteous killing by wms1
Horrible, horrible, horrible... so disappointed! I was so excited to see this movie after viewing the trailer, but total waste of time! Horrible script and the actors dont get a chance to show their true ability... its a shame they choose to do this movie. Save your money and dont see it... you will only be left confused, unsatisfied, and frustrated! Biggest movie failure of the year!!!!!