Watch In the Line of Duty: Street War

In the Line of Duty: Street War is a gripping crime-thriller released in 1992 and directed by Dick Lowry. The movie stars a talented cast including Ray Sharkey, Peter Boyle, and Courtney B. Vance. Set in the heart of New York City, the film follows a decorated police officer, Detective Vincent LaMarca (Ray Sharkey), who has a dark past that comes to haunt him when he is asked to lead a case involving the death of a child. The victim is identified as the son of a drug dealer, who LaMarca has a long-standing history with. As the investigation takes off, LaMarca must navigate through the double-edged sword of his personal and professional life - neither of which he can compromise.

Ray Sharkey delivers a powerful performance as Detective Vincent LaMarca, a cop with a troubled past that has left him with a burden of guilt. Sharkey shows the emotional turmoil of the character and how he must deal with it while trying to solve this case. His character has a no-nonsense attitude that is balanced by his softer moments of being a father to his estranged son who is called Joey. Peter Boyle perfectly captures Joey's grandfather, an aging petty thief and prison inmate who is torn between his love for his grandson and his criminal past. Boyle's performance brings a certain level of warmth to the character that makes him likeable despite his flaws.

Courtney B. Vance delivers a nuanced performance as a rookie cop, who LaMarca has taken under his wing. He is depicted as the newcomer with great potential, but who also has a lot to learn about the job. Vance plays the character with a level of sensitivity and a connection to his fellow officers that creates a believable sense of camaraderie.

The film's narrative builds on the typical themes of police procedural dramas such as the tension between officers and criminals, the twisted webs of corruption that permeate the system, and the emotional burden that certain cases leave on officers. However, it sets itself apart from other police dramas with its sensitive handling of personal relationships.

Although the film's main focus is on LaMarca and his past, the story also explores the strained relationship between the detective and his son Joey (David Marciano). The father-son relationship is depicted in a relatable way, with genuine moments of connection peppered with arguments and misunderstandings. The film spends a lot of its runtime examining this relationship, and it never feels like it's detracting from the main plot.

In the Line of Duty: Street War effectively captures the gritty landscape of New York City in the early 90s. The movie was shot on location and features a lot of recognizable landmarks that accentuate the authenticity of the setting. The dimly lit streets, cramped apartments, and bustling subways all add to the movie's atmosphere of danger and uncertainty. The cinematography by John Lindley covers the city in different moods, providing an appropriate visual language that is in tune with the story.

The film's score by Mark Isham bolsters the film's mood by playing with various themes. It balances subdued soundscapes and somber strings with tense, action-oriented scores with equal measure. The music effectively transitions the viewer through the various moods of the movie, enhancing the viewer's experience.

In the Line of Duty: Street War is a nuanced and unflinching portrayal of a police officer who is forced to confront his demons while trying to solve a harrowing case. The film features strong performances from its cast, a relatable father-son dynamic, impeccable cinematography of New York City, and a haunting score. The film is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and thriller movies.

In the Line of Duty: Street War is a 1992 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.