Critique: Film> Reviews.

In Too Deep uses the familiar premise of a cop going undercover in the gang world and beginning to question 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. Gradually, Cole begins to win Gittens' confidence via his streetwise, drug dealer persona "J.Reid", from Akron. Though, questions start to arise 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, we start 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 Cole's genuine loyalties.

LL Cool J brings a powerful performance to the table, which feels very authentic via his character's levels of brutality 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. "Sooner or later, I'll have to murder you before you do me," he says to Cole.

Epps is equally as convincing via his streetwise masculinity that we understand why the two characters have become so close, and then sympathise when the inevitability of the dividing partnership finally happens. There's also supporting roles from Nia Long and Hip-Hop acts Jermaine Dupri and Sticky Fingaz.

In Too Deep's premise may be overly familiar to audiences, and it lacks the charm of 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.

(C) Andy Carrington, 2009.