Copshop

REVIEW:

I can always rely on Director Joe Carnahan’s movies being a blast to watch! Looking through his filmography, I cannot see a single movie that I did not enjoy. From Smokin Aces to The Grey, Carnahan has always leaned into chaotic energy, pulpy characters and a sense of style that is unmistakably his. 2021 was a good year for him as both Boss Level starring Frank Grillo and Mel Gibson and Copshop were action packed, had great humour and boasted a strong cast. What I appreciate most is that Carnahan knows exactly what kind of filmmaker he is and he never pretends these movies are trying to win prestige awards but they always deliver on what they set out to do: entertain.

Copshop feels like a movie from a different era and I mean that in the best possible way. There is a tangible 70s and 80s action movie vibe running throughout the entire film, from its snappy dialogue to the grimy, low lit police station setting. Carnahan applies a retro dusting to every frame, creating something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It is the kind of film that would have sat comfortably on a VHS rental shelf back in the day and the fact it exists in 2021 makes it feel like a little cinematic time capsule.

The premise is beautifully simple. Con artist Teddy Murretto played by Frank Grillo intentionally gets himself arrested and locked behind bars in a small town police station to avoid being captured or killed by the lethal and relentless assassin Bob Viddick played by Gerard Butler. What follows is an unravelling story of corrupt cops, a psychopathic contract killer and a series of exhilarating action set pieces that gradually tighten the noose on every character in the building. It is straightforward but surprisingly layered with twists that keep the momentum high.

One of the biggest strengths of the movie is just how committed the cast is to the lunacy of the situation. You can feel that the entire cast had a lot of fun making this movie because it comes across through their performances and it is infectious. Grillo plays Murretto with a frantic charm that suits the character perfectly while Butler leans into his steely intensity in a way that is both intimidating and knowingly comedic. Their dynamic works far better than it has any right to.

Alexis Louder is the unsung hero of the film and arguably the true standout. As rookie officer Valerie Young, she brings a sharp wit, confident screen presence and an unpredictability that elevates every scene she is in. Louder not only holds her own against Grillo and Butler, she often steals the spotlight entirely. Her quick draw monologue alone deserves recognition.

Then you have Toby Huss as the unhinged killer Anthony Lamb who storms into the film like a deranged tornado. Huss gives one of those performances that is so outrageous and entertaining that he becomes impossible to look away from. His chaotic energy perfectly counterbalances the more grounded tension created by Butler’s character, turning the final stretch of the film into something gleefully wild.

In terms of action and comedy, Copshop strikes a really strong balance. Carnahan’s direction ensures every shootout feels tactile and punchy with a focus on geography and pacing rather than mindless chaos. The humour lands because it is rooted in character rather than forced jokes. It feels like a bunch of actors organically bouncing off one another which adds to the charm.

Obviously Joe Carnahan’s movies are not Oscar worthy but if you are looking for some dumb fun where you can switch off for 2 hours, eat some popcorn and simply be entertained then I fully recommend Copshop. It is pulpy, stylish, energetic and packed with memorable characters. It plays like a modern throwback to the days when action movies did not apologise for being loud and silly and that is exactly why it works.