'Pride' powered by realistic cop drama

It’s become something of a tradition for the movie industry to release a police drama featuring basically the same story, but with a different set of high-profile performers. And one of 2008’s typical cop flicks is “Pride and Glory.”

However, the edge “Pride and Glory” has over recent similarly themed efforts like “Righteous Kill” or “We Own the Night” is believability. “Pride and Glory” takes a story about a family of cops and makes sure every aspect of the story line is as realistic as possible.

The film begins with a disastrous shooting in which four New York Cops are murdered. Ray Tierney (Edward Norton) sets out to investigate this case and becomes shocked that his own brother-in-law Jimmy (Colin Farrell) is involved with other corrupt police officers who work under Ray’s older brother Francis (Noah Emmerich). Making matters worse, not only does this scandal involve two family members but also Ray’s father (Jon Voight), who is in charge of the department. The truth can destroy the family legacy and the police.

If you watch this film, be ready to be subjected to the problems of corruption within a family business and police force. It’s a great theme, since some of these issues probably happen more than we think.

“Pride and Glory” is powered by excellent acting. Farrell stands out here, performing to near perfection and plays a two-sided cop, a sweet-hearted family man and then an out-of-control maniac all with ease. The other big actors here – including Norton and Voight – act their hearts out, but Farrell deserves most of the respect.

What separates this cop film from any other is that the suspense and action feel real. Being in a family business can tear a family apart, so imagine what it’s like when that corrupt family business includes your local officers, who are reckless instead of responsible.

It’s safe to say the film industry will never stop making cop movies, but it’s also safe to say that most cop movies won’t top “Pride and Glory.”