The first film in this ‘Year of Dwayne Johnson’ (before “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”, “Pain & Gain” and “Fast & Furious 6”) was “Snitch”, which most movie fan have already forgotten. The movie was “inspired by true events” and based on a segment on the documentary TV series “Frontline”.
Johnson plays John Matthews, the owner of a successful construction company. He’s married and has a young daughter, but also has an older son named Jason with his ex-wife. One day Jason receives a package in the mail from his friend containing drugs. But it’s a set-up and immediately after he opens the box, Jason’s on the run from the police. He gets caught and is taken to jail. And soon his parents learn that, because of the government’s mandatory minimum laws, Jason is facing a long prison term.
John promises Jason that he’ll help him. He comes up with a plan to go undercover and catch some real drug dealers and in exchange Jason’s sentence will be reduced. With the help of a DEA agent (played by Barry Pepper with a wicked mustache), Federal Prosecutor Susan Sarandon, and an ex-druggie who now works for him, John goes undercover as a drug trafficker. But John is not only risking his life, but the members of both his families, and his co-workers. And there’s a ton of money involved as well.
“Snitch” is a solid film. The first half-hour is the strongest, with interesting and intense set-up scenes. It’s a little talky, but the dialogue is interesting as we learn about the laws involving Jason’s situation. Ric Roman Waugh, a stuntman turned director, likes to shoot tight, which adds to the drama and the realism.
The middle portion of the films drags a bit as John gets involved in the world of drug dealers and violence. Plus there are a few extra storylines that get in the way. And, in the entire film, there are only two major action scenes. They’re well done, but I’m guessing everyone who sees “Snitch” will be expecting more.
Dwayne Johnson is getting better and better as a serious actor. He’s very convincing here, especially during the scenes in which he’s talking with his son over the phone at the prison. Johnson makes those moments very believable. Pepper’s also good. Sarandon (who, once again, is billed last with the “AND” in front of her name) provides us with more of her famous “tough as nails” act while delivering some very corny dialogue.
“Snitch” is rated PG-13 for language, violence and drug content. It’s appropriate for teens and up. While it’s not consistently exciting, it’s worth watching for the performances and the authentic feel of the story, which you can tell came from actual events and wasn’t “Hollywooded up” too much.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Snitch” gets a C+.