Comments on: Cop Land (1997)

By: John

John — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:10:37 +0000

Stallone is excellent in this, he has in the past made attempts with dramatic films, some which were quite good. Worth noting is films like Lords of Flatbush, F.I.S.T and Nighthawks among others. Stallone can act on par with guys like De Niro or Brando when given the chance.

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:23:11 +0000

Jorge: While I’d still have to go with Rocky as Stallone’s best film, you could probably argue he was playing some variation of himself as the Italian Stallion. Cop Land is a complete immersion in this character Mangold wrote, and it’s in many ways, a much greater performance. Paul: I think you pointed out a flaw in the picture, which is that both DeNiro and Keitel’s parts are underwritten. I can sense Mangold was excited about Stallone’s part, Liotta’s part and also Super Boy, but the two heavyweights of the ’70s sort of drift right through this. Thanks for commenting. Christian: If you watch the Charlie Rose interview, Stallone is so likable, I don’t get why he hasn’t pursued better roles or wanted work with talented filmmakers more than he has throughout his career. Soundtrackgeek: Welcome and thanks for visiting. I’d be curious to read your take on this film’s score on your site. The music is one of the qualities about Cop Land that really stands out for me. Howard Shore has the innate ability to connect you emotionally to a film through his musical scoring. Patricia: I’m honored you would not only give me a nod on your site, but actually be motivated to make a rental based on something that I wrote. The Game might not have been the movie I would have gambled four euros on, as the contrivances are difficult for many people to accept. Stallone’s moment of glory would have to be Rocky. Not only did he write the screenplay, but refused to relinquish the leading role, it won Best Picture and made him a star. How do you beat that? AR: Thanks for commenting. Moving forward, I'm curious to read your take on the more contemporary movies I'll be writing about. Mrs. Thuro's Mom: It seems that almost each time James Mangold makes a new film, more than one critic comes out and pans it. I find it amazing that in addition to Cop Land, he directed Girl Interrupted, Identity, Walk the Line and 3:10 To Yuma. Not many directors have a body of work like that. Just look at the actors who've gone to work for him. Thanks for your comment!

By: Mrs. Thuro's Mom

Mrs. Thuro's Mom — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:35:40 +0000

This film is just one more reason why I am a James Mangold fan. I was fortunate enough to see this in the theater. I was blown away by the performances of Stallone and Liotta who basically play “the losers” of the film. They were great.

By: AR

AR — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:47:10 +0000

I saw this movie when it hit cable in the mid-90’s and I remember thinking it was better than I thought it’d be. Other than Rocky, Stallone has never been my cup of tea, but I agree with everyone that he’s quite good in this.

By: Pat Evans

Pat Evans — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:53:08 +0000

I agree with those who think this was Stallone’s moment of glory since I have never been a Rocky or Rambo fan — and some of his other efforts have been nothing short of cringe-making; maybe he is likeable, but for my money he is no actor.

Incidentally per your recent effusive review I watched “The Game” again and have written about it today (quoting your influence); unfortunately I didn’t like it this time around either. But as the cliche would have it, “That’s what makes horseracing”.

By: soundtrackgeek

soundtrackgeek — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:38:38 +0000

It’s a shame this movie didn’t become more popular than it was. It’s a great movie, and the whole cast did a great job, Stallone was superb, but I too think that his role on Rocky supersedes this, maybe even Rocky Balboa.

By: christian

christian — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:31:58 +0000

I thought Stallone was terrific in COPLAND and wish he could get more understated roles like this.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 03:53:46 +0000

With such a great cast you’re always wondering who is stealing scenes from who. I think DeNiro’s performance is uninspired – he can do a lot better. Stallone, Liotta and Patrick all give their best making this a career highlight for each of them.

I love the shot of Ray Liotta with the cigarette and gun. It was funny at the time, but it’s probably a shot the film could do without. It kind of draws attention to itself and that’s not a compliment for the film’s most memorable shot. I like it, but it doesn’t match the rest of the film.

By: sir jorge

sir jorge — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:01:46 +0000

this is by far Stallone’s best film.