Night Patrol feels like someone took Colors (1988), Baller Blockin’ (2000), and 30 Days of Night (2007) and put them in a blender. The mix is unbalanced and chaotic, but entertaining nonetheless. Night Patrol reminds me of movies like Dead Heist (2007) and Bloodz vs. Wolvez (2006) in the best and worst ways. I love that we get characters that aren’t usually seen in the genre fighting against the monster. Some of the dialogue was familiar, while other lines made me want to put my ears in my pockets.
A Divisive Little Film
This film can go either way with audiences. You’ll either have a good time, or you’re going to be displeased. I can already see the dialogue causing viewers to force close the movie. I watched it on the big screen with a group of friends, and we had plenty of laughs. I’m not sure if all of the humor was intentional, but I think it adds to the charm. I think Night Patrol is worth a watch, but you have to be on board with what it’s bringing.
The biggest barrier was the script. I am sure it was meant to be over-the-top, but I think it overshoots in some scenes. For example, the tobacco spitting felt like a callback, but it was nauseating after the fifth time. The racist comments were also excessive. The audience could tell where the cops stood by their actions; some scenes felt like the characters were narrating what was happening onscreen. We spent too much time playing ride along with Hayworth (Justin Long) and Xavier (Jermaine Fowler). It started to feel like I was watching Cops. Their performances were good, but the things the script forced them to say made me want to pick up my purse and leave.
Wild Boys and Chaotic Characters
I would have liked less of Sarge (Dermot Mulroney) because his performance was all over the place. I have seen him act before, so I am still confused about this performance. CM Punk played Marcus so well that I will now be crossing the street when I see him: he loves a questionable role. The battle in the third act was a little long. I don’t think we needed to see Justin Long running wildly as much as we did, although it was a little amusing. We could have used fewer running scenes altogether. One of the moments toward the end looks like the actors are clearly on a treadmill in front of a green screen.
If you manage to jump over the dialogue hurdles, then you’re in for some action! The violence and gore were the main things keeping me plugged into Night Patrol. Unfortunately, my enjoyment was bittersweet because I could not erase the image of cops perpetuating violence against Black bodies. Within the first ten minutes, we see a Black woman shot. I could hear the gasps in the theater. The police violence was jarring, but I can’t say it wasn’t expected. As the film progressed, the tone of the film made the violence more tolerable.
Some People Played Themselves
Night Patrol felt more like an action movie in the third act. There were gunshots everywhere, explosions, chaos, and carnage. YG, who is clearly playing himself, and Freddie Gibbs delivered hilarious one-liners. Ayanda (Nicki Micheaux) was compelling to watch. She had a respected role within the gang. I was happy to see a woman in charge, even if she was stomping out her own son. Micheaux’s performance sold the character, although some of her dialogue was a letdown.
Wazi (RJ Cyler) was a fun character to follow. He wasn’t innocent, but he was brave. He had a Romeo-and-Juliet style romance. Wazi went behind enemy lines for his girlfriend and he took on his enemies even when he was outnumbered. He was easy to root for the more the movie progressed. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome, just like most of the cast. Their looks were highlighted with some decent camerawork and lively lighting. Night Patrol is easy to watch, but sometimes difficult to listen to outside of the music. I recommend checking it out so you can form your own opinion, because it’s sure to be divisive.
