In Too Deep (1999)

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Cover Come Back

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy In Too Deep on DVD

Omar Epps (The Mod Squad, The Wood) stars as an undercover cop hot on the trail of a drug kingpin named God (LL Cool J). While it's somewhat refreshing to see the old-time undercover cop story in a new setting with black characters, it's still the same old-time undercover cop story. In Too Deep suffers from comparison to Donnie Brasco (1997), which more deeply explored its relationships. The new movie is competently made, but seems unaware of its cliches. Epps is an outstanding performer, though, and he nearly carries it by himself. Pam Grier appears in a small role and Stanley Tucci is very good as Epps' police boss.

With: Omar Epps, LL Cool J, Nia Long, Stanley Tucci, Hill Harper, Jake Weber, Richard Brooks, David Patrick Kelly, Pam Grier, Veronica Webb, Ron Canada, Robert LaSardo, Gano Grills, Ivonne Coll, Don Harvey, Mya
Written by: Michael Henry Brown, Paul Aaron
Directed by: Michael Rymer
MPAA Rating: R for brutal violence, strong sexuality, language and drug content
Running Time: 96 minutes
Date: August 25, 1999