REVIEW: “Crescent City” (2024)

As a seasoned cinema aficionado with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that “Crescent City” left me feeling like I was navigating a labyrinthine swamp rather than immersed in a gripping crime thriller. The film’s title might as well have been “Crescent Maze”, for it seems the director, R.J. Collins, attempted to squeeze every last drop of tension from an overloaded and overplotted script.

The term “Crescent City” is commonly used as a nickname for New Orleans, Louisiana, and also the title of a popular fantasy book series. However, it’s unclear if there is any connection to the new movie titled “Crescent City,” which is a crime thriller filmed in and around Little Rock, Arkansas. The origin of the “Crescent City” title in this case remains a mystery, though it may appear somewhere in the film, although given its complex and intricate nature, it could be easy to overlook.

In an attempt to infuse excitement into the convoluted and intricately-plotted serial killer thriller, Director R.J. Collins strives to maximize suspense from a largely tension-lacking script. However, much like his gifted ensemble, there are only so many tricks up his sleeve. Screenwriter Rich Ronat takes on more than he can manage, ultimately layering twist upon twist. This leads to the screenplay becoming elusive of elements such as logical flow and believability, leaving Collins with a multitude of characters, motivations, and plot elements that overwhelm him.

In the aftermath of three gruesome murders in Little Rock, where each victim was found decapitated and the killer left mannequin parts as a signature, two imperfect detectives from the city’s police force are tasked with solving the case. Brian Sutter (portrayed by Terrence Howard) is a devoted family man who continues to wrestle with a previous case that didn’t turn out as planned, while his partner, Luke Carson (Esai Morales), is known for his quick temper and blunt mannerisms.

Following another victim’s discovery, a disgruntled Captain, portrayed by Alec Baldwin from a check-cashing background, enlists Detective Jaclyn Waters (Nicky Whelan) to aid the investigation. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, she’s a homicide detective in Tulsa. Brian and Luke aren’t exactly pleased with an outsider joining their team, but they comply with the orders given. In no time, the three of them are probing a local pastor under suspicion, exploring a questionable satanic dating site, and dealing with an internal affairs probe unrelated to their current case.

Those things alone would be enough for a fully functional story. But the film throws in so many setups, coverups, and betrayals that they’re impossible to manage. The film also has an identity crisis. One minute we’re watching a police procedural, the next minute a whodunit, and even later a family drama. And all while the movie is working hard at being a competent crime thriller. In truth, it’s too much.

Howard and Morales deliver compelling performances in this movie, showing they can easily shoulder the film’s weight. They definitely gave their all. On the other hand, Little Rock offers a unique, vibrant backdrop. However, “Crescent City” struggles under the burden of its own aspirations. It feels like every character harbors secrets and many motivations are left unexplored, resulting in disconnected storylines. The attempt to tie everything together takes precedence over essential elements, which weakens the overall production. Now you can watch “Crescent City” on VOD.

2024-08-19 17:56

REVIEW: “Crescent City” (2024)

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