Righteous Kill Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two old cops finally realize that the real criminal was the friend they made along the way… wait, no, it was just each other.

🍿 Righteous Kill: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Confession and Initial Investigation

The film opens with Detective David ‘Rooster’ Fisk (Al Pacino) confessing on camera to killing 14 criminals who evaded justice. Simultaneously, Detectives Thomas ‘Turk’ Cowan (Robert De Niro) and Fisk investigate the murder of a pimp, the latest in a string of similar killings. Each crime scene features a poem justifying the vigilante act, leading them to believe they’re hunting a serial killer.

Suspicion and Entrapment

Detectives Perez (John Leguizamo) and Riley (Donnie Wahlberg) join the investigation, growing suspicious of Turk’s possible involvement. Turk’s volatile nature and past actions raise red flags. An undercover operation involving a lawyer, Jessica, to entrap a drug dealer, Spider (50 Cent), goes awry, further complicating the case and increasing tensions among the detectives.

Twists and Turns

As the investigation progresses, more killings occur, each targeting individuals who have escaped legal punishment. The evidence increasingly points towards a cop being the vigilante, with suspicion falling heavily on Turk. The detectives uncover past misdeeds and ethical compromises, blurring the lines between justice and revenge. A central relationship develops between Turk and Karen Corelli (Carla Gugino), a crime scene investigator, adding a personal layer to the professional investigation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Turk (Robert De Niro): A veteran NYPD detective known for his aggressive tactics and close relationship with his partner, Rooster, who becomes a suspect in a series of vigilante killings.
• Rooster (Al Pacino): Turk’s longtime partner, an aging NYPD detective with a seemingly laid-back attitude, who is secretly the vigilante serial killer they are hunting.
• Karen Corelli (Carla Gugino): A crime scene investigator who is involved romantically with both Turk and Detective Perez, adding tension to the investigation.
• Det. Simon Perez (John Leguizamo): A younger detective who is suspicious of Turk and his methods, leading him to investigate Turk as a potential suspect.
• Det. Ted Riley (Donnie Wahlberg): Detective Perez’s partner, who assists in the investigation and shares suspicions about Turk’s involvement in the murders.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Turk: “Most people respect the badge. Everybody respects the gun.” – A line from the trailer that encapsulates the film’s themes of justice and law enforcement.
• Rooster: “Sometimes the job makes you lose faith.” – Rooster’s justification for his actions.
• Rooster: “There’s nothing wrong with a little shooting, as long as the right people get shot.” – This quote is a subtle wink to the ‘Dirty Harry’ line, emphasizing the vigilante theme.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,081,410
• Worldwide Gross: $79,498,846

💥 Righteous Kill Reviews

Personal Review

I wanted to love ‘Righteous Kill’ because, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro! The film had a good premise. But I was disappointed, I guessed the twist early on. The chemistry between De Niro and Pacino, while present, felt muted and the movie just wasn’t as gripping as I’d hoped. Seeing them on screen together was nostalgic, but it couldn’t save the movie from its predictability. Overall, ‘Righteous Kill’ ended up being a letdown.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Those interested in movies about police corruption”
  • “Viewers who appreciate films with plot twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “While ‘Righteous Kill’ benefits from the presence of screen legends De Niro and Pacino, the film is ultimately weighed down by a predictable plot and uneven pacing. The performances are commendable, but the storyline lacks the depth and originality to truly engage.
• The New York Times: “Despite boasting two acting heavyweights, ‘Righteous Kill’ fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The film’s twists are telegraphed, and the characters lack the nuance needed to elevate the material beyond a standard crime thriller.
• Rolling Stone: “‘Righteous Kill’ squanders the talent of De Niro and Pacino on a derivative and uninspired screenplay. The film lacks the tension and suspense needed to make it a worthwhile entry in the crime genre.

Audience Reactions

De Niro and Pacino together is awesome!: Many viewers appreciated the chance to see De Niro and Pacino share significant screen time, even if the film itself was flawed.

Movie was predictable 🙁: A common complaint was the predictability of the plot and the obvious nature of the ‘twist’.

Overall Consensus: Righteous Kill’ is a disappointing crime thriller that fails to live up to the potential of its star-studded cast, with a predictable plot and uninspired screenplay.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert De Niro and Al Pacino have both expressed disappointment with the final result of ‘Righteous Kill’.”
• “This film marks only the third time De Niro and Pacino have appeared in the same movie, and the first where they share significant screen time together.”
• “Several reviewers noted the film’s predictable plot and reliance on the actors’ star power over strong writing.”

🖥️ How to Watch Righteous Kill?

Righteous Kill is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Righteous Kill, you might like these similar films:

• Heat (1995): Features De Niro and Pacino in a crime thriller, though they share limited screen time. It’s known for its realistic portrayal of criminals and law enforcement.
• The Departed (2006): Another crime drama set in Boston, revolving around the Massachusetts State Police, a detective assigned to work undercover to infiltrate the mob
• Seven (1995): A dark and suspenseful thriller about two detectives hunting a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. Known for its plot twists and moral ambiguity.

🛒 Righteous Kill Related Products

• Righteous Kill [Blu-ray]: Experience ‘Righteous Kill’ in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes bonus content, behind-the-scenes footage, and deleted scenes.
• Robert De Niro: A Life: Delve into the life and career of Robert De Niro with this comprehensive biography. A must-have for fans seeking to explore the actor’s extensive filmography and personal journey.
• Al Pacino: In His Own Words: Explore the life and career of Al Pacino through his own words in this insightful biography. Gain a deeper understanding of his acting techniques and personal experiences.
• NYPD T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for New York’s finest, with this NYPD T-shirt. High-quality and comfortable.

🎧 Soundtrack

Righteous Kill features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “We Fly High” – performed by Jim Jones

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino Fight it out in London | Prime Video

Dive into the world of ‘Righteous Kill’ with this exclusive interview where Robert De Niro and Al Pacino share their experiences and showcase their incredible on-screen chemistry.

Rob Dyrdek in Righteous Kill Movie – HD

Get ready for a chuckle! This hilarious clip features Rob Dyrdek’s cameo in ‘Righteous Kill’, adding a dash of unexpected fun to the intense crime thriller.

✨ Rate