Narc

Starring: Ray Liotta, Jason Patric

RS: 3of 4 Stars

2002 Drama

This compulsively watchable police thriller comes on like gangbusters with a cop (Jason Patric) chasing a perp. Simple stuff. But ballsy director Joe Carnahan -- a real find -- gives the scene the breathless urgency of something out of The French Connection.

Narc is a no-bull throwback to 1970s action films. It zips along with B-movie verve while adding the rich details and go-for-broke acting that heralds something special. Patric has his best role in years. And Ray Liotta -- firing on all cylinders -- is surefire Oscar bait as a cop you don't trust. Not if you're smart.

PETER TRAVERS
(December 12, 2002)