Cop (1988)

A lot of people are sick and tired of sequels and reboots, mostly because not all of them are “Top Gun: Maverick.” Many of them are just soulless cash grabs, but you have to admit, sometimes you watch a film and you can’t get enough of it and wish there was a sequel with this character in some way. “Cop” is one of those. Based on a James Ellroy novel, the film follows Detective Lloyd Hopkins, an obsessive and morally dubious cop investigating a series of brutal murders.

Back in time, James Woods was one of the most interesting, energetic, and intense actors on the screen, and this character plays to his strengths so well. The character is charming and charismatic but also deeply flawed. He gives a certain sense of danger to his performance, which makes it even more exciting to watch. He is somewhat Woods’ own Dirty Harry. The script has some dark humor and sharp dialogues as well, and his fast-talking acting style suits here so well. There are just so many layers to this character that make him interesting. The mystery aspect is so well done; the film goes to places you don’t even expect.

The film is not interested in cheap detective film tricks or shock factor (though there are some genuinely disturbing images that feel like a horror film); instead, it builds a complex case with lots of interesting supporting characters. Director James B. Harris is more remembered as a producer of Kubrick films, but he’s directed a couple of thrillers, and this is his best one. The cinematography, which has that 80s gritty LA atmosphere, is also worth mentioning. This is the kind of film one would wish we’d get more of: just a distinctive mystery story with a morally complex character and a provocative storyline.