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Cops countermanding the law, using the close-knit nature of their badge to secretly settle scores on the street, have long since become a cinematic cliché. The police have gone from donut-munching jokes to felons in blue and black finery. From the decent beat officer taking bribes to buffer his paycheck, to the undercover operative in so deep he no longer remembers what side of society he’s on, “to protect and serve” has been modified — at least in the movies — to “pervert and steal.” Street Kings, th e latest motion picture inspired by a story from James Ellroy (L.A. Confidential), dabbles freely in this kind of corrupt no man’s land, and for the most part, it’s a thrilling journey.

This movie has a great cast: Keanu Reeves, Forrest Whittaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, and John Corbett just to name a few. There is considerable interplay between corrupt Forrest Whittaker as the unit commander looking to make chief, Keanu Reeves as the gunslinging cop, and Hugh Laurie as head of internal affairs.

Needless to say there is sufficient lead poisoning of the bad guys to keep you entertained. The plot twists back and forth, albeit a bit predictable.

Although the movie got mixed reviews, I found it one of the better releases so far this Summer.

Rating: 4 out of 5 jalapenos.