Snitch

   

        Every time I see that a movie is inspired by true events, I start to wonder about that inspiration.  Is it just a small part, or does the story have a lot of truth to it. These stories always seem to pull at the heart strings a little more, because they are easier to relate to. It is hard to be James Bond, but it is easy to be a regular guy doing something spectacular. One of those stories is what “Snitch” is all about.

       John Matthews (Dwayne “not the Rock” Johnson) is a successful business man. Matthews has a son named Jason Collins (Rafi Gavron), who lives with his ex wife. Jason reluctantly helps a friend and signs for a package containing drugs. Little did Jason know, but the feds were tipped off and arrested Jason. Even though Jason has never been in trouble before, he is facing a minimum mandatory sentence of at least ten years, unless he snitches on someone. Not wanting to be a snitch he refuses, and is willing to take his chances in prison. Jason’s father refuses to let that happen and offers to help the District Attorney Joanne Keegahn (Susan Sarandon). His offer is to bring someone in, in exchange for his son’s freedom. Keegahn agrees and with the help of a D.E.A agent named Cooper (Berry Pepper). Matthews sets out to free his son.

      The story is based on a Frontline story and is written by Justin Haythe and directed by Ric Roman Waugh. What is unique about Waugh’s approach to this movie is his attention to realism. For his last film “Felon”, Waugh actually worked two years as a parole officer to see how the system actually worked. That dedication shows in “Snitch” as everything feels authentic. With that working in its favor and a nice cast it would seem to point to a very good movie, but unfortunately it doesn’t. It’s not a bad movie; it just doesn’t become the movie you think it could have been. Not every movie has to be a masterpiece; the only thing you can really ask for is for it to entertain you.  “Snitch” in that aspect succeeds and keeps your attention most of the time. The trailer leads you to believe there is a lot more action in the movie than there really is. Instead the movie relies on suspense to build and try and keep you on the edge of your seat. “Snitch” is a movie most people will enjoy, I just wish I had liked it a little more, but then again you can’t like them all.

Brian Taylor