FILMS THAT DESERVED BETTER is an ongoing feature here on The Movie Blog of movies that failed to attract an audience at the theaters and failed to perform well at the boxoffice, yet were exceptional films. We just want to give out a hardy slap on the back and say “We love ya anyway”.
“In homage to such classic films as “The French Connection” and “Serpico,” writer/director Joe Carnahan’s “Narc” explores the dark underbelly of the drug world with a compelling story about the intense psyche behind those individuals called “narcs,” undercover officers who put themselves on the front lines of the war against drugs. Chipping away at the number of dealers on the streets, these brave men and women leave their loved ones behind each day as they throw themselves into the brutal world of drug abuse for one purpose only…to end it.”
Man I just loved this movie, and it solidified Ray Liotta as one of my favorite actors today (yes, even when he’s playing an evil wizard in an Uwe Boll movie). The feel of the film is amazing. It’s gritty, it’s tough and it’s seriously non-apologetic for what it is and what it aims for.
Narc was the main reason I was so looking forward to Smokin Aces last year, since I hadn’t seen anything else from director Joe Carnahan since then. Sadly, Smokin Aces didn’t quite deliver, but if you haven’t seen Narc yet… don’t let that stop you!!!! It’s a vastly superior movie to Smokin Aces and got a lot of attention at Sundance when it played there.
Despite having a great 85% ratting on Rotten Tomoatoes, and getting huge awards buzz on the festival circuit, Narc only managed to pull in just over $10 million in its theatrical run. Treat yourself and grab this bad boy… if you can find it anywhere.
