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# MOVIE REVIEW ’Street Kings’ is a wild ride
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/movie-review-street-kings-is-a-wild-ride/
- Published: 2008-04-11T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:14:03.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*Cast is highlight of ‘Kings’*

*By TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE Special to the Daily Press*

The opening sequence in David Ayer’s action-packed, urban thriller “Street Kings” is so intuitive, the delivery so visceral, and star Keanu Reeves so mesmerizing — you’ll be instantly hooked, thrust into the world that belongs to its protagonist, Detective Tom Ludlow, going along for the ride, fifth-gear and full-throttle all the way.

Reeves plays Ludlow, a dedicated police officer, routinely pitted against the darkest elements of society. The repugnant aspects of his job coupled with the bitter memories of the death of his wife have driven Ludlow to take solace in the bottle; knocking back booze with disturbing ease. This penchant coupled with the fact that he is never without his firearm, makes you think, “Guns and alcohol — maybe not the best combination.” But thoughts such as these will be brief, for Ludlow’s not like you and I. He is part of Ad Vice, a specialized unit of the LAPD; replete with horrors, challenging decisions and life and death consequences, that functions as a necessary evil protecting citizens from a world they don’t want to know exists. And that weapon he carries 24/7... it’s more like an appendage Ludlow cannot live without.

The story takes shape when Ludlow’s former partner, Washington (Terry Crews), dies in a manner that suggests he was dirty. Ludlow is hard pressed to accept Washington’s guilt. After poking around, evidence rises that also implicates Ludlow and suddenly things are not as they seem and he finds himself surrounded by internal intrigue. Only his Captain, Wander (Forest Whitaker) Everyone in the Ad Vice unit is a step ahead of Ludlow, yet when it comes to street smarts, he’s incredibly clever and cunning; underestimated by his fellow officers. Unable to let go of the mystery, he hooks up with Detective Diskant (Chris Evans) and together they work covertly to solve a puzzle of seemingly endless pieces.

The script is based on James Ellroy’s story, “The Night Watchman” originally set in post Rodney King Los Angeles, which Ellroy and Jamie Moss adapted for screen. The script was re-conceptualized with a modern day take and imbued with authentic dialogue by writer Kurt Wimmer.

Ayer is keenly effective at conveying the mood and tone of the piece, bringing stunning visuals, popping with bold primary colors; blood reds, police blues and yellow backgrounds. Though the film is essentially a story of brotherhood, loyalty and survival and all the gray areas in between, it moves with the high octane of “The French Connection” whilst channeling the emotional nuances of “Serpico.”

Hugh Laurie is terrific as the illusive Captain Biggs, who seems out to get Ludlow, Capt. Wander and Ad Vice, through numerous inquiries and relentless pressure. Ludlow responds to his probing by asking Biggs, “You gonna clean up the needles and the baby parts? No. You need me. You company men, you hate me, but you need me.” The entire cast is outstanding, especially Cedric the Entertainer as Scribble, a small time neighborhood hustler (also the film’s comic relief) and rap artist turned actor, Common. Unfortunately Jay Mohr — who may well be the funniest man alive — due to the nature of his role, keeps his comedic talents pretty much under wraps. Also noteworthy: the Dodge Charger GX sports model with powder-coated rims used by Reeves to tool around town.

“Street Kings” blows the doors off the other films in its genre. Don’t miss it!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/041108-13_01.jpg)

STAR POWER: Hugh Laurie (left) and Forest Whitaker co-star in ‘Street Kings.’ (Photo: Photo courtesy Merrick Morton)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 11, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/041108.pdf?ref=smdp.com)