Watch Officer Down

Officer Down is a gritty crime drama from 2013, directed by Brian A. Miller and starring Stephen Dorff, Stephen Lang, and David Boreanaz. The story centers around the troubled life of corrupt police officer David Callahan (Dorff), who despite his questionable methods and addiction to drugs and alcohol, is still respected by his fellow officers for his skill on the job. However, when he is critically injured in a shooting, David's life begins to unravel, and he must confront the demons of his past and seek redemption.

The film weaves together several narrative threads, ranging from David's relationship with his wife (played by AnnaLynne McCord), to his working relationship with his partner, Detective Les Scanlon (played by David Boreanaz) and his boss, Lieutenant Jake LaRussa (played by Stephen Lang). We also get glimpses of David's troubled childhood and his estranged relationship with his father, played by James Woods.

As David fights for his life in the hospital, it becomes clear that someone wants him dead. Suspecting that his fellow officers may be involved, David embarks on a dangerous quest for the truth, even as he battles his own addiction and the guilt of his past actions. Along the way, he encounters a cast of shady characters, including a slippery lawyer (played by Dominic Purcell), an enigmatic stripper (played by Walton Goggins), and a ruthless drug lord (played by Tommy Flanagan).

The film is anchored by Stephen Dorff's intensely physical performance as David Callahan. Despite his character's flaws and questionable actions, Dorff manages to make him sympathetic and even likable. David Boreanaz also shines as his partner, Les Scanlon, bringing a quiet intensity to the role that contrasts well with Dorff's more volatile energy. And Stephen Lang is as dependable as ever, adding gravitas to the role of the hardened police lieutenant.

The film's direction by Brian A. Miller is solid, if unremarkable. Miller wisely keeps the focus on the characters and their conflicts, avoiding excessive style or flashiness. The pacing can be slow at times, but the film builds to a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion.

One of the film's weaknesses is its treatment of female characters. While AnnaLynne McCord and Shannon Kane (who plays a love interest for Boreanaz's character) both give strong performances, they are largely relegated to the sidelines of the plot, existing mainly to serve the male characters' stories. Similarly, Walton Goggins' stripper character feels like a tired stereotype, although Goggins herself brings a certain charm and humor to the role.

Overall, Officer Down is a solid crime drama that benefits from strong performances, especially from Stephen Dorff. While it may not break any new ground in terms of plot or style, it provides a gripping portrait of a flawed man's search for redemption in a corrupt world. Fans of gritty crime dramas and character-driven stories will find plenty to enjoy here.