Directed by Richard Donner (the
Lethal Weapon films, Conspiracy Theory…)
Starring Bruce Willis, Mos Def…
16 Blocks was a pleasant surprise.
When I first saw the preview for this film, my ears perked up like a German Shepherd. I like action films, and Richard Donner has definitely delivered some good ones in the past. I also was intrigued by the use of Mos Def in a lead/co-leading role alongside Bruce Willis.
Most people might recognize Mos Def from The Italian Job or The Hitchhiker’s Guide… kids will recognize him from Chappelle’s Show. This film will probably launch him. He’s funny, he delivers some great one liners, and he proves himself to be more than just comic relief.
The film is about an aging New York cop (Willis) assigned to an ordinary task of escorting a fast-talking witness (Def) from police custody to a courthouse. There are however forces at work trying to prevent them from making it. Thus… the action!
I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It was funny, and it tugs at your heart at times. But most of all, I enjoyed the fact that the film presented redeemable characters. Everyone wants a hero. The film provides that.
The film also provided a great theme: people change. It’s preached loud and clear. The film also provokes discussion on integrity and character.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT:
I’d take my 12 year old in a heartbeat. The film has no sex or nudity of any kind. There is some language and shooting, giving it that PG-13 rating. But the action violence is mild by today’s standards.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
