City of Lies
Los Angeles Police Department detective Russell Poole has spent years trying to solve his biggest case -- the murders of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur -- but after two decades, the investigation remains open. Jack Jackson, a reporter desperate to save his reputation and career, is determined to find out why. In search of the truth, the two team up and unravel a growing web of institutional corruption and lies.
Critics Sentiment
Reporter Darius Jackson meets retired detective Russell Poole
Poole dies of heart attack, Jackson writes tribute article
The film drops from its engaging opening and first act to a weaker middle section around the hour mark, then recovers somewhat with Poole's emotional sacrifice before ending on an unsatisfying note.
City of Lies starts strong with an intriguing premise and solid performances from Depp and Whitaker, particularly in the opening scenes that hook viewers. The film maintains decent momentum through the first half with its procedural elements and corruption revelations, but loses steam in the middle section with pacing issues. While the emotional weight of Poole's personal sacrifice resonates with viewers, the film ultimately suffers from an unsatisfying ending that reflects the real unsolved nature of the case.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 35
Johnny Depp
Russell Poole
Forest Whitaker
Jack Jackson
Toby Huss
Detective Fred Miller
Dayton Callie
Lieutenant O'Shea
Neil Brown Jr.
Rafael Perez
Shea Whigham
Frank Lyga
Xander Berkeley
Edwards
Louis Herthum
City Attorney Stone
Shamier Anderson
David Mack
Laurence Mason
FBI Agent Dunton
Christian George
Belsher
Michael Paré
Varney
Amin Joseph
Kevin Gaines
Josh Hardwick
Russell Poole, Jr.
Glenn Plummer
Psycho Mike
Rockmond Dunbar
Dreadlocks
Peter Greene
Commander Fasulo
Antonio Raul Garcia
Russell Poole Jr. (Age 6)
Scotty Tovar
Javier Ovando
Voletta Wallace
Voletta Wallace
Crew
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