DVD Corner

Confidential Informant Blu-ray Review

“Confidential Informant” is thematically engaging, but the film itself is poorly made. 

Set in New York in the year 1995, “Confidential Informant” revolves around two narcotics agents (and war vets) Tom Moran and Nick Thorton. The partners are cracking down on the crack epidemic engulfing the city, but things take a turn when Tom learns he has cancer and their informant (Senor) is dying of AIDS. Broke and wanting to take care of their families, the 3 men concoct a plan in which Senor and Tom die in order to help their respective families financially. After the plan is carried out, Nick finds himself being investigated by Infernal Affairs officer Learner who is hell bent on finding the truth.

Directed by Michael Oblowitz and written by Oblowitz, Brooke Nasser and Michael Kaycheck, “Confidential Informant” is a conceptually intriguing cop story about law, insurance, morality, and financial absurdities that is let down by poor production values. The direction is haphazard, the lighting is atrocious, the editing is disjointed, the narration is seemingly random, there is no real effort to make the film look and feel 90’s and the dialogue is frequently dopey (“I’m here, I’m old and I’m pissed!”). It’s a shame because somewhere in here is a solid police story.

‘Informant’ boasts a quality cast featuring Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell , Nick Stahl, Russell Richardson, and Kate Bosworth. Despite being prominently featured on the cover, Gibson has a smaller role as a Police Lt. He spouts some goofy lines, talks with a cheesy NY accent, and mostly sits in a horribly lit office for the majority of his scenes. He also gives a comically over-the-top performance that at least livens up the rather dark movie. Russell Richardson gives the best performance here as Learner. Purcell looks bored and stiff (especially after giving such a lively performance in “DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow”). Bosworth has little to do but is adequate in the role as Tom’s wife. Nick Stahl has always been an underrated actor and he commits to the role here. Even when the script lets him down, Stahl adds extra layers as a surviving alcohol and drug addicted cop who has to live with what has happened on duty.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: B-

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+

Extras include a Digital copy, a trailer and a commentary by director Michael Oblowitz, composer Roy Hay and DP Chris Squires. 

August 30, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Confidential Informant Blu-ray Review, Dominic Purcell, Mel Gibson, Nick Stahl