Director John Hillcoat is a master of the visceral, slightly depressing mood, so it’s a surprise that he’s whipped a completely different rabbit out of the hat with Triple 9.

This occasionally clever cop-corruption heist drama thrills rather than disturbs. The problems with Triple 9 begin when Hillcoat strays from smartly-written dialogue and into Michael Bay-esque action profligacy.

High-speed chases occur more frequently than actual walking, and the vehicles are so crash-prone the characters’ insurance probably cost more than the movie’s entire budget. Kate Winslet’s tight-lipped Russian mobster is simply the final straw in this farcical hay bale.

Loaded with a cast and crew with the talent to create the film-noir tension that Triple 9 ought to possess in spades, the result is a missed opportunity. 

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Gal Gadot, Kate Winslet, Norman Reedus, Aaron Paul, Woody Harrelson

DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat

WRITER: Matt Cook

SYNOPSIS: A gang of criminals and corrupt cops plan the murder of a police officer in order to pull off their biggest heist yet across town.