“Empire State” (2013) Movie Review: A Crime Drama Rooted in Reality
Introduction
“Empire State,” a 2013 crime drama directed by Dito Montiel, is inspired by true events. The film stars Liam Hemsworth, Dwayne Johnson, and Emma Roberts in a story of friendship, ambition, and the consequences of a heist gone wrong. This review delves into the plot, performances, and overall execution of “Empire State,” along with where to stream or rent it in the United States.
Plot Summary
In “Empire State,” Chris Potamitis (Liam Hemsworth) dreams of becoming a police officer but is rejected due to his father’s criminal record. Stuck in a low-paying job as a security guard for an armored truck company, Chris becomes disillusioned and frustrated. His best friend, Eddie (Michael Angarano), sees an opportunity to exploit Chris’s access to the company’s cash storage facility. Together, they plan one of the largest cash heists in U.S. history. As the plot unfolds, NYPD Detective James Ransone (Dwayne Johnson) is hot on their trail, determined to catch the culprits before they can get away with the money.
Performance and Direction
Liam Hemsworth delivers a solid performance as Chris Potamitis, capturing the character’s internal conflict and desperation. His portrayal of a young man torn between loyalty to his friend and the consequences of their actions adds depth to the film. Michael Angarano provides a lively and convincing performance as Eddie, the instigator of the heist. Dwayne Johnson, in a more subdued role compared to his usual action-packed characters, brings gravitas and determination to Detective Ransone, adding a layer of tension to the pursuit.
Director Dito Montiel effectively recreates the gritty atmosphere of early 1980s New York, grounding the film in its historical context. The narrative is paced to build suspense gradually, though some may find the development a bit slow. Montiel’s direction focuses on character dynamics and the moral complexities of their decisions, rather than relying solely on action sequences.
Cinematography and Soundtrack
The cinematography by Dana Gonzales captures the essence of the 1980s with a muted color palette and authentic set designs. The visual style enhances the film’s gritty realism, reflecting the socio-economic struggles of the characters. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of contemporary and period-specific tracks, complements the film’s tone and helps immerse viewers in the era.
Streaming Availability
In the United States, “Empire State” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. The film may also be accessible on other streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, depending on their current library offerings.
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer to rent or purchase “Empire State,” the film is available on multiple major platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- iTunes: Rent or buy with options for HD.
- Google Play: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- YouTube Movies: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- Vudu: Rent or buy in HDX, HD, and SD.
Conclusion
“Empire State” offers a compelling look at the human side of a high-stakes heist, driven by strong performances from its cast. While the film may not be action-packed, its focus on character development and moral dilemmas provides a thoughtful exploration of crime and consequence. Liam Hemsworth and Dwayne Johnson anchor the film with their performances, making it an engaging watch for fans of crime dramas and true crime stories.
