Freelancers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

50 Cent becomes a cop to avenge his dad, but gets distracted by Robert De Niro’s bad influence and Forest Whitaker’s questionable life choices, ultimately realizing being a good cop might involve paperwork.

🍿 Freelancers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Joining the Force

Jonas ‘Malo’ Maldonado, haunted by the death of his NYPD officer father, joins the police force. He is quickly approached by Captain Joe Sarcone, his father’s former partner, who invites him to join a specialized unit. This unit operates outside the bounds of the law, engaging in corruption and criminal activities.

Embracing Corruption

Malo, along with his childhood friends A.D. and Lucas, find themselves immersed in a world of dirty cops, drug deals, and moral compromises. They navigate the treacherous landscape of loyalty, trust, and the constant pressure to cross ethical lines under Sarcone’s leadership. The allure of quick money and power tests their friendship and values.

Unraveling the Past

As Malo delves deeper into the unit’s activities, he begins to uncover the truth about his father’s death. He learns that his father was not simply a casualty of the job, but a victim of betrayal and corruption within the police force itself. This revelation sets him on a path of revenge and a quest for justice.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Malo (50 Cent): The son of a slain NYPD officer who joins the force and becomes entangled with a team of rogue cops while seeking the truth about his father’s death.
• Joe Sarcone (Robert De Niro): A corrupt NYPD captain and Malo’s father’s former partner, who leads a team of rogue cops and tests Malo’s loyalty.
• LaRue (Forest Whitaker): A drug-addicted and morally ambiguous member of Sarcone’s rogue cop team, partnered with Malo.
• A.D. (Malcolm Goodwin): One of Malo’s childhood friends who joins the police force with him and gets involved in the corruption.
• Lucas (Ryan O’Nan): Another of Malo’s childhood friends who becomes a cop and is drawn into the world of corrupt policing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Malo: “What’s the worst thing you ever did, Joe?” – Malo provocatively questions Sarcone about his past actions as their relationship becomes more complex.
• Joe Sarcone: “The worst thing I ever did was trust the wrong man.” – Sarcone responds cryptically, hinting at betrayal and deceit within the corrupt world he inhabits.
• Joe Sarcone: “I always make my decision with my head, not my heart.” – Sarcone explains his cold, calculating approach to policing and life, prioritizing logic over emotion.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $0
• Worldwide Gross: $456,350

💥 Freelancers Reviews

Personal Review

I watched this movie expecting a generic cop flick, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed certain aspects. Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of a drug-addled cop was particularly memorable, adding a layer of darkness to the story. The plot itself wasn’t groundbreaking, but the performances of the supporting cast made it worth watching. I found myself rooting for 50 Cent’s character as he struggled to do the right thing, even if his acting wasn’t always the most convincing.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about police corruption”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with action and suspense”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Explicit language”
  • “Sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Examiner.com: “Freelancers delivers a generic cop thriller, but thanks to the star power behind it at least feels a bit bigger than the straight to video release it got. 50 Cent does a decent job here, but just doesn’t have the chops to really sell the emotional aspect of the character.
• N/A: “It’s definitely not the worst movie you’ll ever see but it’s not one to get very excited about either. 50 Cent has some real difficulties in the scenes in which his character was supposed to show his emotions.
• N/A: “Horrible in almost every way – 50 cents cant act for open. An experienced rogue cop organisation brought down by a rookie nobody who somehow is important. criminally misused De Niro- one of the best actors of all time . Bad, just Bad man!

Audience Reactions

The ending surprises viewers with a character shift.: Some enjoyed the supporting cast’s performances despite a weak storyline.

Many viewers felt the storyline was cliché and not very unique.: The cop and revenge story has been done many times before.

Overall Consensus: Despite a decent cast, the film suffers from a predictable plot, weak character development, and uneven performances. Many people compare it unfavorably to Training Day.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was briefly released in theaters in New York City and Los Angeles before going to video on demand.”
• “While set in New York, the film was primarily shot in Louisiana.”
• “Several reviewers noted the film’s similarities to ‘Training Day’ and criticized it for not living up to that film’s quality.”

🖥️ How to Watch Freelancers?

As of October 26, 2023, “Crossfire” (also known as “Freelancers”) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Freelancers, you might like these similar films:

• Training Day (2001): Features a rookie cop being mentored by a corrupt veteran, exploring similar themes of morality and police corruption.
• Street Kings (2008): Another crime drama centered on a corrupt LAPD unit and a detective investigating the murder of his wife.
• Brooklyn’s Finest (2009): Follows the intertwined lives of three NYPD officers facing moral dilemmas in a high-crime environment.

🛒 Freelancers Related Products

• 50 Cent – Get Rich or Die Tryin’: Classic hip-hop album that launched 50 Cent’s career, showcasing his raw talent and street-smart lyrics.
• Training Day (Limited Edition Steelbook) [Blu-ray]: Own a piece of cinematic history with this limited edition steelbook of ‘Training Day,’ a cornerstone of the cop-thriller genre.
• NYPD Police T-Shirt: Show your support for the men and women of the NYPD with this stylish and comfortable t-shirt.
• Robert De Niro: The Iconic Performances: Showcasing Robert De Niro’s best performances

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Street Life” – performed by Booke & Swaggalee

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Freelancers – “It’s My Call and My Cuffs!” clip #2

Want to see De Niro lay down the law? Check out this intense clip from ‘Freelancers’ – it’s a short, sharp taste of the movie’s gritty cop drama!

Freelancers – “Show Me Some ID” clip #4

Intrigued by undercover cop dramas? This sneak peek from ‘Freelancers’ is full of suspense as you see the officers ask a man to “show me some ID”

✨ Rate