Reptile (2023)

Reptile is hardly original but that doesn't stop it from being a decent film. Cut from the same dark cloth as so, so many, seedy underbelly US crime drama's, the plot behind this film is all too familiar.That said, its saved from mediocrity, by its adherence to the basic premise its built upon and plausible performances, from its cast. Indeed the subdued, very conventional approach taken to character development reminded more me of Swedish or UK series, where the characters are ordinary people, with mostly, ordinary lives. In summary, whilst Reptile isn't doing nothing new, its refreshingly down to earth approach to character development, does offer a little more to the viewer, than the conventional, "by the numbers", US crime drama.

**cop/crime thriller, well executed. Nothing to get excited about, but above the rest.** The leading couple, Del Toro and Silverstone, are well cast - not the unlikely "what are these supermodels doing in this situations", but a realistic looking middle-aged couple. Him weary but still strong, her chubby, cheerful and sensible. His country club dancing isn't winning prizes; he's called Oklahoma "because he doesn't cut a rag". Their friends are a fun bunch, living a bit above their pay grade, ribbing, caring, and close. After we get the scenery set, the crime starts: A real estate agent is bloodily murdered. Investigating the murder turns up more than one likely suspect. And nothing is quite as clear as one might wish. The plot is complex enough but not convoluted; The characters are authentic and their portrayal is skillfully done. Direction, cinematography and editing maintain suspense. They don't irritate you with fashionable gimmicks, but instead allow us to concentrate on the story and the characters. (Avoiding spoilers) The twists and turns aren't gimmicky either. Everything remains within the bounds of the probable and possible; and so the story maintains realism and therefore appears more intense. I can recommend this as a solid, entertaining, suspenseful and above all realistic crime thriller. One more thing: I've read the name "Justin Timberlake" a lot before. I thought he was a singer but never heard what he did. He is in this as an actor; and I have to say he plays his role well, like a professional. Not at all like some other singers who try this and end up embarrassing themselves. A positive surprise.