Triple 9

TRIPLE 9

Director : John Hillcoat
Year : 2016
Genre : Thriller
Rating : **1/2

John Hillcoat's well crafted yet immensely disappointing crime thriller 'Triple 9' goes to prove that a great cast and a very talented director doesn't always guarantee a good film. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Kate Winslet, Woody Harrellson, Aaron Paul and Norman Reedus among many others, 'Triple 9' tells the detrimentally complex story of a violent gang of criminals and corrupt cops who must go to extreme lengths to execute a daring heist for the Russian mafia. 

As was the case with his two previous films 'The Road' and 'Lawless', director Hillcoat stylishly captures his on-screen action with a great deal of cinematic invention and eye-pleasing cinematography. But despite its visual flair and number of high octane set pieces, 'Triple 9' suffers from distinct a lack of focus and any form of character development. While commanding performances from the likes of Ejiofor, Affleck and Paul attempt to raise the movie above its conventional and emotional restraints, too many characters, too many narrative threads and far too little investment makes the movie a passingly diverting yet utterly mediocre affair.