Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

21 Bridges Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman February 21, 2020

One might say that 21 Bridges folds in about 21 Cop film clichés, but the film works anyway thanks to tight editing, great photography, intense action, a good pace, and solid performances that all elevate eh content above the muck. The film is hardly award material, but longtime television director Brian Kirk and his highly competent crew certainly seem to know their way around the genre, photography, action, and editing to build a surprisingly rich, if not all that rewarding or re-watchable, film. It's one of the better gritty escapism films of recent time, a picture of unrelenting violence and kinetic forward motion. If it lacks anything it lacks originality, but much like Den of Thieves it makes the most of what it has and makes its mark with its technical expertise rather than its story originalities.

Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) is a legacy New York detective whose father was murdered when he was a young man. In a decade of service to the city, he has a track record of killing criminals and asking questions later. He has no regrets, and he seems like the right man for the job to hunt down two hired guns, Michael Trujillo (Stephan James) and Ray Jackson (Taylor Kitsch), who, when pulling off what should have been a quick, quiet, in-and-out snatch and grab drug heist, find themselves mowing down NYPD officers who just so happened to casually, and curiously, be at the same place at the same time. As they run through the city in search of escape, Manhattan is put on lockdown on Davis’ suggestion. Every bridge is closed, tunnels are blockaded, and transit systems are taken offline. As Davis and fellow officer Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller) hunt down the killers, he comes to realize that there’s much more to the night’s bloody events than a high stakes robbery gone wrong.

21 Bridges builds a dual perspective story, following both ends of the crime: the pursuers and the pursued. The film gives much screen time to the interplay between and the dramatic resonance sourced from those who committed the crime and find themselves on the run from the law. They are not secondary characters but rather critical story drivers for the duration. Their backstories, albeit being relatively basic, are developed throughout and how and why they fit into the larger story is explored through, primarily, the second act. Act three follows largely in the manhunt's aftermath, as the larger truth behind the robbery -- which turns out to be both entirely related yet not connected at all (it makes more sense in the movie) -- unravels. Emotions run hot on both sides of the frenetic unfolding drama, which only rises in intensity as the tale becomes more entangling and the slowly revealing truths threaten to shift the entire dynamic in true 180 degree fashion.

The film’s dynamic takes shape within the established prism that paints Davis as a man who is not hesitant to pull the trigger. But when he believes one of the suspects holds valuable information that’s worth more than a feel good, and justified, bullet to the brain, he stops at nothing to make sure the perp doesn’t die before he can talk. And his self control might just be the answer to unraveling a much larger story. Boseman, who rose to prominence playing Jackie Robinson in 42 and who has since become a household name portraying Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, brings an understated emotional core to the character who is tasked with leveling his instincts and coming to terms with his history. The part is not a major challenge for the actor, which tasks him with more physicality than emotional upheaval, but he solidifies the film's approach to answering larger questions than bullets can solve. He, and the film, are stymied by somewhat predictable content that's been seen countless times in other films -- it's really no surprise where the film ultimately ends -- but Boseman and an impressive supporting cast do give the film a fair shake. Paired with the well-rounded filmmaking, 21 Bridges works as a violent and entertaining ride, even if it's decidedly without much, if any, replay value.

21 Bridges Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

21 Bridges was shot on digital but demonstrates a screen commanding film-like presentation. It's very impressive. Textures are off the charts sharp and details are tremendously revealing. Facial pores and hairs are gloriously natural and crisp in close-up; every one is striking. Dense Manhattan locations are likewise magnificent for pure complexity and tactile accuracy. These include alleyways, storefronts, and police command centers: so many locations around the city just exude life and texture. Sharpness never relents in well lit interiors or low light nighttime exteriors (the film takes place over the course of a single overnight in Manhattan). Colors are terrific, particularly intense city lights against the deep, dark, true black nighttime backgrounds. Flesh tones are very well saturated and true. Noise does increase in a few lower light shots but is barely a concern. No other source or encode flubs of note are evident. Universal hits this one out of the park.

21 Bridges Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

21 Bridges only needs 5.1 channels to achieve sonic excellence. The DTS-HD Master Audio track demonstrates command of all components. Music soars with exceptional stage stretch and immersion. Clarity is terrific throughout the range, from top highs to supportive low end content. Action scenes are alive with impressively detailed gunfire, which rips from all over to create frenzied and frightening shootouts that envelop the listener in the action. There are several such scenes throughout, and the only downside is that shots could stand some more punch, not the suppressed rounds but rather those from shotguns and pistols not using a muffling device. City atmospherics are very impressive in lifelike clarity, placement, and fluidity as the latter is necessary. Dialogue is clear and well prioritized from a true front-center home.

21 Bridges Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

21 Bridges includes a commentary track, deleted scenes, and trailers. A DVD copy of the film and an iTunes digital copy code are included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.

• Deleted Scenes (1080p, 2:55 total runtime): Included are SC 04 "You're Going to Need Some Muscle," SC 06 "Iggy Peck," and "SC 20 "Black Car with Damage."
• Trailers (1080p, 6:03 total runtime): Includes Trailer 1, Trailer 2, and Trailer 3.
• Audio Commentary: Director Brian Kirk and Editor Tim Murrell cover the film.

21 Bridges Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

21 Bridges is entertaining, well made, and strongly performed, an accomplishment given the dearth of originality. The film engages on a visceral level. It plays well in the moment but won't leave a lasting impression or find life on multiple replays. Universal's Blu-ray is quite strong, though, featuring practically reference quality video and audio. A couple of decent extras are included. Recommended.