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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT MOVIE!!! But not for the politically correct or feint of heart!!!, August 15, 2005
When I first saw COP back in 1988, I could not believe how tough and on-the-edge this action thriller was . . . not to mention the film's total lack of respect for political correctness. James Woods is brilliant and in rare form here. Be warned. Language, action and attitudes are frank. Characters are hardcore and flawed - this includes the hero - and nothing is censored for mainstream tastes.
If you're looking for a politically correct sissy movie like the forgettable PG-13 crap they make today, where all content is watered down so that some conservative soccer mom in Utah can enjoy herself, stay away. This movie means business and does not pull any punches . . . which is why I love it!
James Woods plays Lloyd Hopkins, a hard-boiled American police detective on the trail of a serial murderer who is victimizing women in Los Angeles. The pursuit leads him through a world that has become his own natural habitat . . a nasty, uncompromising world of crime, drugs, prostitution and male hustlers where "innocence kills," according to Hopkins, and continued exposure corrupts.
Paradoxically, this harsh world is also a world of love, secret admirers, romantic feminist poets and modern chivalry. But these elements are woven underneath the tough exterior.
I don't want to say too much about this movie, just this. BUY IT AND WATCH IT! Definitely recommeneded! But it's only for cool guys who love the hardboiled tough stuff! James Woods has never been better!
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Riveting and uncomprising thriller, October 14, 2005
Maverick detective Lloyd Hopkins (James Woods) stumbles upon a serial killer that has been undiscovered until now when he discovers a crime scene involving ritualistic style murder. Tied into a network of swingers, the killer taunts Hopkins by writing letters ostensibly addressed to his victims but really designated for the police. Just as he is about to put the pieces together the pieces of his personal life fall apart when his wife leaves him ("you're a sick man") with their daughter because she's afraid he'll pass along his "sickness" to their daughter. Equal parts brilliant, defiant and unorthodox Hopkins isn't a likeable man but he doesn't have to be; he's a typical hardboiled screwed up anti-hero. He may not be somebody you like but he has a clear idea of right and justice. Hopkins must pursue the leads himself when solving this case becomes his personal obsession.
"Cop" is as brilliant, unorthodox and defiant as its main character. Producer/director James B. Harris doesn't allow the material to get away from him and James Woods. Playing like a darker more serious variation on the Dirty Harry films, Harris and Woods don't stoop to imitation and plow their own ground planting the seeds of an involving, powerful and sometimes unpleasant murder mystery. A cult classic, "Cop" finally reappears and will hopefully get its due as an uncompromising and powerful crime drama that doesn't shy away from the nasty side of the street nor does it try to gussy up the drama. A unknown classic much like (although quite different in tone from) "Night Moves", fans of noir films will love this adaptation of James Ellroy's ("L. A. Confidential") novel.
Although it doesn't receive a top notch transfer, "Cop" looks extremely good. The images are crisp throughout most of the movie and while there is a hint of edge enhancement that crops up now and again the film looks, for the most part, like it should-dark. As a modern day variation on film noir, the film has just the right texture and feel for the genre with deep, rich shadows and muted colors. The 2.0 Dolby Digital Surround track is pretty basic-the stereo effects work quite well but aren't always used to optimal effect. Still, the action sequences and scenes where the score take center stage sound robust and have a nice kick to them.
Beyond previews we don't any extras. The audience for this film is so small its unlikely that it will probably receive the attention its due unless a company like Anchor Bay licenses it at some point. Including the original theatrical trailer would have been a nice touch and I'm surprised that MGM chose not to include it as part of the package.
There isn't a commentary track here. It's unfortunate because the movie certainly could use a commentary track from Woods or Harris. Which Harris shooting "The Black Dahlia" (as producer with Brian De Palma directing based on another James Ellroy novel) hopefully we'll see this reissued with something in the way of commentary or extras.
A marvelous dark film that won't be everyone's cup of tea, "Cop" is a worthwhile film. The transfer is solid without analog flaws. It's a pity that "Cop" doesn't have any extras but it has a fairly small audience.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is Woods, James Woods, September 23, 2005
This is one of the best cop movies ever made. I didn't get to see this thing until maybe five years ago and it was purely accidental. I couldn't believe I had missed such a great flick. James Woods is just so classic in this. Everything is just gritty as hell. It's all straight to the point. Just look at the title. One of the best endings to a movie I've ever seen, and only Woods could pull it off. Just...just plain good from beginning to end. He plays a guy you just love to watch. How he relates to his family and fellow officers, his kid, his wife (he hates)...and his drive and passion to find the bad guy and end things quick and dirty. Dirty Harry met his match with this guy. To think it's coming out on DVD now, and just now! What the hell is that about? Movies like this should be bumped up on the list for DVD production without question.
Woods' delivery of body language, sarcasm, force of will, whit, and general manner is unmatched by many of today's "tough guys." Watch the master at work here. After the final scene when the screen flashes to black (it doesn't fade at all, which works perfectly), I literally yelled out loud with a clenched fist in the air, "Hell Yeah!"
If you liked the attitude in Mel Gibson's Payback, you'll eat this one up alive.
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