A few flaws, including the introductory voiceover and a couple of minor and fleeting lapses in plausibility that don't affect the overall premise or plotline. Biggest problem for me, though, was the use of fast motion (not time lapse, which can be OK) in a couple of instances. To me, fast motion is unacceptable in a quality film, but at least the sequences were short enough not to kill the buzz.
(Unlike others, I'm not bothered by the cops discussing the wiretaps though - c'mon guys, it's a standard plot device. Get over it.)
That aside, it's very well scripted and acted. I thought that for the most part Farrell played his character perfectly, including the obnoxious jerk at the beginning and the somewhat altered character later in the film. Powerful stuff. I was absolutely gripped and at the edge of my seat, which doesn't happen on my couch cushions very often. Not groundbreakingly original, but still quite fresh and no one is just going through the motions here. A good story, well told. What else do you want?
Ordinarily, I would not be able to rate this movie movie any higher than 7/10 due to the flaws mentioned above. But because of how exceptionally well it grabbed me personally (which is absolutely THE primary reason a movie in this genre should exist) I'm bumping my rating up to 8/10.
(Unlike others, I'm not bothered by the cops discussing the wiretaps though - c'mon guys, it's a standard plot device. Get over it.)
That aside, it's very well scripted and acted. I thought that for the most part Farrell played his character perfectly, including the obnoxious jerk at the beginning and the somewhat altered character later in the film. Powerful stuff. I was absolutely gripped and at the edge of my seat, which doesn't happen on my couch cushions very often. Not groundbreakingly original, but still quite fresh and no one is just going through the motions here. A good story, well told. What else do you want?
Ordinarily, I would not be able to rate this movie movie any higher than 7/10 due to the flaws mentioned above. But because of how exceptionally well it grabbed me personally (which is absolutely THE primary reason a movie in this genre should exist) I'm bumping my rating up to 8/10.