The film of the week this time is TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A!

This is one of William Friedkin's best and most underrated films. It came out at a time when everyone wanted to see goofy buddy cop movies. From what I understand this was even advertised as one too which is a shame because it is the exact opposite of that. What makes it so different from other cop films is the main character is very unlikeable. He does some good things but he also abuses his girlfriend and is very violent with suspects.

The story is a simple one about a secret service agent who will do anything to avenge the death of his partner. The plot is failry simple and a bit cliche but the way it plays out is not. Every character is flawed, and the story takes several twists that you wouldn't expect including an ending that for the time was quite shocking. Wilem Dafoe plays the villain Rick Masters, and like most of his roles he plays it very well. If you want to see a fantastic cop thriller with one of the best chase scenes in film history and some great atmosphere and characters then you need to see this.