Crime thriller specialist director Harold Becker examines corruption in high places in this all too convincing look at life on the line in New York. But, although the film remains engrossing and entertaining, it never quite punches with the weight that could have put it in the top class. No surprise, either, as to the identity of the chief culprit in the affair, which will be obvious to crime fans soon after the film gets into its stride. The beginning is excellent as a cop and a drug dealer gun each other down in a rain-swept street and a child gets caught in the crossfire. Mayor Al Pacino and deputy mayor John Cusack are sidetracked from politicking and drawn into the messy affair. Good dialogue and intriguing in-fighting just see this one through.

©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes