Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

Triple 9 Blu-ray Movie Review

No, this is not a movie about Herman Cain's tax plan.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman May 23, 2016

The "Corrupt Cop(s)" genre isn't particularly new or noteworthy, but Triple 9 freshens it up a bit. From the pen of Writer Matt Cook and the talented eye of Director John Hillcoat (The Road, Lawless), Triple 9 captures an edgy, gritty, dark tone of underground violence and corruption when several cops are charged with pulling a job -- and then another -- to clear the name of a high value Russian mobster. Certainly a far cry from the land of originality, the movie covers its lack of ingenuity with tightly-wound tension and dynamic characterization in a sprawling, multi-character, multi-angle, complexly constructed story. Though the film was negatively noted for multiple cast changes throughout its production history, the final product yields a talented cast and proves both entertaining and sometimes startlingly executed, with several key action scenes impeccably staged. All of that plus good surrounding characterization puts the movie over a difficult hump that many before it have tried to conquer but failed in the effort.

Not just a cop.

The world isn't always black and white. Good guys aren't exclusively good, and bad guys aren't exclusively bad. Two cops -- Marcus Belmont (Anthony Mackie) and Franco Rodriguez (Clifton Collins, Jr.) -- must cross the line and pair with a trio of hardened criminals -- Michael Atwood (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and brothers Russell and Gabe Welch (Norman Reedus and Aaron Paul) -- to pull off a risky bank heist for the wife of a Russian mobster (Kate Winslet), skipping by the money and securing evidence against him stored in a safety deposit box. The robbery is successful, if not overcomplicated by greed. However, the group is forced into pulling off a second job before they're released from commitment and paid for their troubles. The Russians make sure the men know they mean business, and they're left with no choice but to involve Marcus' partner Chris Allen (Casey Affleck) and pull off a dangerous infiltration by gunning down a cop and calling in a "triple 9" (officer down) to thin the ranks and gain easier access to their target.

There are two factors at play that make Triple 9 something of a success, not so much a unique take on its genre but certainly an interesting and welcome addition to it. First is the skilled craftsmanship that infuses the story with a much-needed edge that generates a tangible darkness, enhances the movie's bleak undertones, and underscores the deeper human interest narratives at play. Director John Hillcoat certainly knows his way around effectively bleak storytelling, and with the movie's sprawling character roster, complex narrative, and multi-layered plot devices, Triple 9 gives him no shortage of room to explore. But even with all of that at his disposal, the film never strays. The movie is tight and streamlined, managing its pieces with both efficiency and intimacy. Bloody violence, deep characterization, and difficult emotions are enhanced by moviemaking that's effectively slick but, more than that, realistic in approach and execution. Several scenes exemplify that, including the opening bank heist, a house clearing sequence midway through, and a key explosion of violence late in the film. All of them are intimately character-driven, but Hillcoat nails the surrounding details, giving the movie a realistic edge that draws the viewer into the film and enhances both the broader plot points and character details, helping the film to shed its lack of original storytelling with an honest approach by way of dark and gritty realism.

The other part of the Triple 9 success story lies in its cast. Though the film rolled through a number of casting changes that included a number of high profile departures from key roles -- including Christoph Waltz, Shia LaBeouf, and Cate Blanchett -- the final cast is still an impressive roster of Hollywood who's-who, which includes an interesting pairing of Aaron Paul and Norman Reedus, who have previously starred in two of TV's biggest shows -- Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, respectively -- and, in Triple 9, play brothers. Even as the film fields a rather crowded collection of characters and an impressive cast list, Director John Hillcoat juggles the overflow of talent very well, and the actors capably fall into character, even as some of the details are murky from a script that's sometimes a little too aggressive and bloated for its own good. Still, the finished roster is impressive and the talent by-and-large gels in both action scenes and harder-hitting character moments that play well together in shaping a quality movie from top to bottom.

Triple 9 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Triple 9 was digitally photographed, but it's another in a growing list of productions that texturally nearly pass for film. The picture favors a rather gritty façade that presents details with something of a roughhewn, edgy quality. Facial textures are sharp yet still refined. Clothing details are satisfyingly intimate, and support elements like vehicle exteriors, a police shield, and various urban textures revel in effortless complexity. Colors aren't particularly vibrant; the movie is rather dark by nature, filtered to eliminate any seriously punchy hues, but various bits of attire, blood, fireballs, and other naturally aggressive colors do manage to yield some spark and spirt. Black levels are deep but often border on crush. Noise is sporadic but not particularly intrusive. Banding, macroblocking, aliasing, and other assorted eyesores are not present in any debilitating or even discernible quantities. The movie's rather bleak styling doesn't allow it to sparkle, but Universal's 1080p transfer appears very faithful to the source.

Triple 9 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Triple 9's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack offers a refined and engaging experience. Music is aggressively positioned about the stage, which compliments Atticus Ross' sharp-edged and sonically varied and intense score. Surrounds are engaged throughout, capturing, beyond music, action and support details alike. Alarms blare in the background, police radio chatter emanates from a corner of the soundstage, passing cars zip through the listening area, fluorescent lights hum, and water drips, all details that the track expertly presents, and with a healthy amount of precision spacing and immersion to boot. Action scenes are terrific. Gunfire is allowed full reign in the track. It pops and punches with plenty of lifelike depth and authority. Impacts hit hard on flesh and various surfaces alike, effectively placing the listener in some of the movie's intense shootouts. Likewise, a few explosions hit hard, whether a van that goes up in flames or a small explosive device that maims a person's foot. Dialogue is clear with natural center placement and constant prioritization.

Triple 9 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Triple 9 contains several deleted scenes and two short featurettes. A voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy is included with purchase. Beware of possible spoiler material in the title of one of the deleted scenes.

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Michael's First Kill (2:07), Jeffrey Quits (1:19), Jeffrey Finds Out About Leah (1:11), and Michael's Death (3:19).
• Under the Gun (1080p, 2:43): A look at the movie's complexities, characters, cast, and performances.
• An Authentic World (1080p, 2:41): Praise for Director John Hillcoat's work and the importance that the movie looks and feels true to life.

Triple 9 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Triple 9 may not redefine its genre, but it lights a spark under it. While the movie may occasionally struggle to wade through all of its dark and murky turns and lengthy character roster, its boasts a strong cast and tight direction from a director who's on top of his game. The film additionally boasts several memorable scenes that elevate it beyond its otherwise stock parts. Universal's Blu-ray release of Triple 9 is a bit to skimpy in the extras department, but video and audio presentations are excellent. Recommended.