A tangled web: ‘Crescent City’ and its misplaced setting
A movie set in Little Rock, not New Orleans
New Orleans natives might feel a twinge of disappointment upon discovering that the film titled Crescent City—a nickname synonymous with their beloved Louisiana metropolis—is actually set in Little Rock, Arkansas. However, they might also breathe a sigh of relief knowing their city isn’t depicted in this convoluted and forgettable drama. The film, a mishmash of serial killer clichés, internal affairs investigations, Satanic sex addicts, and buddy-cop shootouts, is best suited for home viewing. This way, viewers can pause and collectively ponder, “What on earth is happening?”
Veteran actors in a thankless task
Terrence Howard and Esai Morales give it their all, attempting to inject some semblance of plausibility into the chaotic narrative. They play seasoned cops based in Little Rock, a location repeatedly emphasized through extended exterior shots of the Little Rock Police Department.
Howard portrays Brian Sutter, a churchgoing family man haunted by flashbacks of a botched drug bust. Morales takes on the role of Luke Carson, Sutter’s longtime partner, whose aggressive interrogation methods earn him a not-so-disapproving remark from their captain: “Jesus Christ! This guy thinks he’s Dirty Harry.”
A new team member and rising tensions
Their captain, played by Alec Baldwin in a paycheck role, grows impatient with their progress in tracking down a serial killer terrorizing the community. He decides to add a new member to their team: Jaclyn Waters, a beautiful Australian-born cop recently transferred from Tulsa, portrayed by Nicky Whelan. Carson is immediately suspicious and hostile, not just because Waters is immune to his swaggering advances. Sutter, on the other hand, is more accepting—very accepting, for reasons unrelated to their investigation.
A plot that twists and turns
Director RJ Collins and screenwriter Rich Ronat pile on twist after twist, suggesting numerous day-to-day rewrites. The plot involves sexual escapades linked to Sutter’s neighborhood church, an extramarital affair involving two characters who occasionally seem like prime suspects, and a traumatized youngster who grows up to be a brilliantly disguised executioner of unfaithful husbands and other fornicators.
For a while, it’s mildly intriguing to see how Crescent City alternates among Sutter, Carson, and Waters, dropping hints that one (or maybe none) is the psycho killer. The actors toss possible motives back and forth like a hot potato. Unfortunately, everything culminates in two absurdly contrived twists and a coda that feels tacked on after preview audiences objected to the apparent demise of a major character.
A forgettable addition to the genre
The film’s overplotted nature and lack of coherence make it a forgettable addition to the genre. It’s reminiscent of the unremarkable trifles that once overburdened Blockbuster store shelves to the point of near-collapse.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s disheartening to see talented actors like Terrence Howard and Esai Morales struggle to elevate a film that doesn’t do justice to their abilities. The film’s setting in Little Rock, rather than New Orleans, feels like a missed opportunity to explore the rich cultural backdrop of the Crescent City. Instead, we’re left with a bland gumbo of overused tropes and a plot that fails to engage.
For those interested in checking out the film, you can watch the trailer and find more information on the Crescent City page.
In-depth analysis and distinctive comments
The film’s attempt to juggle multiple plotlines and character arcs ultimately leads to a disjointed narrative. The inclusion of Satanic sex addicts and a brilliantly disguised executioner feels like an overreach, detracting from the central mystery of the serial killer. The film’s reliance on extended exterior shots of the Little Rock Police Department to establish its setting feels heavy-handed and repetitive.
The dynamic between Sutter and Carson, while initially intriguing, becomes predictable as the film progresses. Sutter’s haunted past and Carson’s loose cannon persona are well-worn tropes that fail to bring anything new to the table. Jaclyn Waters’ character, while adding a fresh dynamic to the team, is underutilized and her motivations remain unclear.
Final thoughts
Crescent City is a film that tries to do too much and ends up doing very little. Its convoluted plot, overused tropes, and lack of coherence make it a forgettable addition to the genre. While the performances of Terrence Howard and Esai Morales are commendable, they are ultimately let down by a script that fails to deliver.
For those curious about the film, you can watch the trailer and find more information on the Crescent City page.