i rent this on new year eve to counter the boredom of bowl game and and find the movie to be surprisingly good . there be a compelling and believable storyline ( think of body heat set in a contemporary northeastern city instead of lazy miami ) and it be well act and a real thriller . i especially liked ll cool j performance and and liotta be believable a the white urban politico . i also like that the movie do not shy away from comment ( however simplistic ) about race . mekhi pfifer be useful in his role and taye diggs be hilarious with his usual witty and sarcastic commentary . the female lead and blalock also give a believable performance a damsel in distress . the desk sgt . drown character be quite funny . comparable ( but good ) film would include double indemnity or the postman always ring twice . this be a good yarn and well worth the 3 buck i spend to rent it .