.co.uk

In Too Deep uses the familiar premise of a cop going undercover in the gang world and then questioning his own morals. The obvious comparisons with Donnie Brasco didn't really do it any favours at the time of its release, but that really doesn't mean that it's a bad film. A combination of intense atmosphere and sharp performances make this an intriguing slice of urban cinema.

Rookie cop Jeff Cole (Omar Epps) believes he is the only man capable of going uncover and bringing down local drug kingpin Duane "God" Gittens (LL Cool J). He grew up in the projects and knows the streets better than all of his colleagues. So gradually he begins to win Gittens' confidence via his streetwise, drug-dealer persona, "J.Reid" from Akron. Questions begin to arise, though, as to how far he is willing to go to bring the drug lord down, and even if he is going to make it out alive.

In Too Deep is effective in its graphic violence. In creating a dangerous, yet compelling, atmosphere, Rymer allows us to fear for Cole's safety within the world of his adopted crime family. As the characters develop a dangerously intense relationship, we begin to anticipate when the time will come to assert the detective's genuine loyalties.

LL Cool J brings a powerful performance to the table, which feels very authentic via the levels of brutality his character has towards his enemies. In one scene, he takes great pleasure in jamming a pool cue into the anus of a man tied to his basement pool table; and later on he says "Sooner or later, I'll have to murder you before you do me," to Cole, leaving us fearing his next move.

Epps is equally as convincing via his streetwise masculinity that we understand why he gradually earns the respect of Gittens, and then sympathise with him when the inevitability of the dividing partnership finally happens. There's also supporting roles from Nia Long and Hip-Hop acts Jermaine Dupri, Nas and Sticky Fingaz that are noteworthy.

In Too Deep's premise may be overly familiar to audiences, and it may lack the charm seen within more popular crime movies like Donnie Brasco, but it's still a fierce and unrelenting portrayal of the life of the undercover cop in the criminal underworld. It is also proof that LL Cool J has a knack for acting (which will definitely surprise some).

(C) Andy Carrington, 2009.