While the new "Mod Squad" boasts style and some likable characters, the plot and premise are as sound as ice-skating in the bathtub.
Some vintage 1970's cars, funky music and flashy chase scenes highlight the picture and the characters do have a unique sense of dress. While Omar Epps is cool and in charge as Linc and Giovanni Ribisi is quirky and comedic as Pete, Claire Danes plays a pretty plain Julie. Unfortunately, the characters' histories are glazed over and the film is negligent in their absence, such as how Julie knows the older man from her past that she is seeing. Furthermore, Linc seems pretty level-headed for a former arsonist with a message. While a wonderful scene with Pete encountering his parents was touching, the audience is left to wonder what came before.
The premise of this movie is a bit limited, as the authority the kids don't have but pretend to stretches credibility. Three young convicts working off their time through undercover assignments for the police can only do so much, and it's not plausible that many would respect their commands as one individual does in this film. Even if one can suspend disbelief, the story is predictable, sometimes incomprehensible and has a few holes.
There are some bright spots in this film besides the style and characters, such as how alone the characters realize they are in solving the case. These alone make the film worthy of watching on TV.
Some vintage 1970's cars, funky music and flashy chase scenes highlight the picture and the characters do have a unique sense of dress. While Omar Epps is cool and in charge as Linc and Giovanni Ribisi is quirky and comedic as Pete, Claire Danes plays a pretty plain Julie. Unfortunately, the characters' histories are glazed over and the film is negligent in their absence, such as how Julie knows the older man from her past that she is seeing. Furthermore, Linc seems pretty level-headed for a former arsonist with a message. While a wonderful scene with Pete encountering his parents was touching, the audience is left to wonder what came before.
The premise of this movie is a bit limited, as the authority the kids don't have but pretend to stretches credibility. Three young convicts working off their time through undercover assignments for the police can only do so much, and it's not plausible that many would respect their commands as one individual does in this film. Even if one can suspend disbelief, the story is predictable, sometimes incomprehensible and has a few holes.
There are some bright spots in this film besides the style and characters, such as how alone the characters realize they are in solving the case. These alone make the film worthy of watching on TV.