16 Blocks (2006)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
An aging cop played by Bruce Willis (Hostage) is assigned the ordinary task of escorting a fast-talking witness played by Mos Def (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) from police custody to a courthouse. The task proves tougher than it should have been when we realize a handful of bent cops are trying to keep the witness from testifying against them…EVER. Def's performance was well attempted but the voice he was using just made him sound like an extra in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Willis is once again playing a washed up cop. I could tell he was trying to make THIS typecast different, but it wasn't different enough. In the end, it was Willis playing a washed up cop…AGAIN. Act three got a little confusing as aspects of Willis' character background and inner motivations are revealed. Some info came out of the blue and fast. I would have to see the movie again to get exactly what he was revealing, but I won't. The picture wasn't good enough for me to see twice, or even care to. Some of the action and chase scenes were well put together but not nearly exciting enough to make the movie worth the price of admission. It may do better for people on DVD. Overall, "16 Blocks" lacks originality and depth. It tried, but it didn't DO. As far as washed up cop Willis roles go, you can't beat "Die Hard." Go rent that instead. Even "Hostage" was more unique than this movie. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
This picture wasn't very original. The characters weren't original, and the performances were phoned in; however, director Richard Donner did his best to spice it up and worked to some degree.