REVIEW: REPTILE

4/5

Snakes and Ladders. 

136 Mins. Starring: Benicio del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Ato Essandoh, Domenick Lombardozzi, Karl Glusman, Sky Ferreira, Michael Carmen Pitt, Frances Fisher & Eric Bogosian. Director: Grant Singer. On: Netflix. 

Ever since Benicio del Toro told Emily Blunt to "get your service weapon out" in Denis Villeneuve's stunning 'Sicario' vehicle, we have been reminded of the great poise 'The Usual Suspects' and 'Che' actor traffics in. It's that pure presence that licks throughout the slow burn of the new 'Reptile' detective film on Netflix like a Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl 'Poison'. One that del Toro co-writes and produces for the streaming service. Even when this reptilian crime thriller sheds skins and strands of plot, it still has a bite. One that will stay with you through the burning of the midnight oil until the morning light, just like that cup of coffee riding partnering shotgun. Benicio and that bold and brilliant disarming hurt charm behind a face that tells many a tale (from the salad days with a 'License To Kill', to 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' with Johnny Depp) is the anti-venom to this feature film that spits out the poison of Netflix original movies paling in comparison to all those great shows they cancel like subscriptions when your friends and family get locked out. With a maroon suit and tie, leather jacket and magnum moustache born for the beat, he's the quiet storm in this gathering one. Whether he's telling an N.S.F.W. (and this modern day), hilarious Jesse James joke, or someone threatening his happy home where to go, he owns everything in sight. 

Music video director Grant Singer's big-screen debut does exactly that with a little Beatles like help from his friends to get by (there's a nice cameo from the make your career yourself star, Sky Ferreira). 'Reptile' concerns the murder of a real-estate agent who was partnered up with Justin Timberlake in more ways than one. But, despite the nice NSYNC reunion at the MTV Music Video Awards last week, it's going to be 'Mania' (like Singer's short-film) and not May in this late September release that will wake up your October. Tennessee's "Trousersnake" (yep, we still remember that nickname) is perfect here like he is in 'Alpha Dog', 'The Social Network' and 'Trouble With The Curve'. Reminding us that we have missed him in movies, just like we have his band of brothers (from the 'No Strings Attached' album to the similar sounding movie 'Friends With Benefits') now the truth remains their gone. Now if you longed for him, how about the amazing Alicia Silverstone? From 'Batman & Robin' to 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'. Those sleeping on her talents are as 'Clueless' as her signature hit after all the Aersomith videos. She's more than the Batgirl legacy people wanted to pin on her like never leaving home without the Bat card. By Benicio's side, she stirs her scenes with more intrigue than the actual investigation at hand.

Elsewhere, this cop land like when Stallone went serious owns the night with a gallery of rogues or boys in blue who might just be true (you decide). All culminating in a classic closing by the gun before the red for dead credits. There's the always compelling character of Eric Bogosian ('Uncut Gems', 'Billions' and 'Succession'), and the crooked smile charm of 'A Bronx Tale', 'The Irishman', 'Miami Vice' and 'The Wire' star Domenick Lomardozzi with a name like he was born for these type of movies. It's incredible 'Django Unchained', 'Jason Bourne' and 'Hitch' actor Ato Essandoh who finally cops the role his talent deserves. A perfect partner, even if Benicio strikes you as one of those, "I work better alone", strong, silent police story taping up trope types. 'Neon Demon' Karl Glusman and the famous face of Frances Fisher ('Unforgiven', 'Watchmen', 'The Lincoln Lawyer' and of course 'Titanic') complete the credible class. But it's the always amazing 'Boardwalk Empire' star Michael Carmen Pitt who steals the show, almost unrecognizably so. Once upon a time in Hollywood, with a name like Brad and a look like Leo, the 'Boardwalk Empire' gun drawing favourite would be a star you could bank on. He still is, just an underrated one in these Hollywood nights. But whether he's playing an amazing android in the American adaptation of the anime 'Ghost In The Shell', or getting his fill in 'Hannibal', Pitt always puts it down in his pictures. But again, no reptile here in this game of snakes and ladders holds quite as firm as our hardened detective loyal to the badge he never wants to turn in like his service pistol...or wedding ring. Just watch out for those snakes in the grass before the final cut. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Cop Land', 'We Own The Night', 'Inherent Vice'.