Just note there’s some drug use, though it’s depicted in a cautionary manner. The storyline can be perplexing at times, but the performances from Mr. Patric and Liotta are truly outstanding.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 3, 2024

The film is one of those well-written, well-directed, and well-done on just about every single level. The work by Carnahan here shows talent and dedication to the story on his second feature film as a director and an early feature as a writer.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | May 9, 2024

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Jan 28, 2013

doesn't illuminate the world of the undercover agent or bring anything new to the table

| Original Score: C | Jan 8, 2012

Intense cop movie for adults.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 26, 2010

One of the best films of 2002...

| Apr 29, 2009

The stylish conviction of Carnahan and his never-better leads make this familiar yarn worth caring about.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 18, 2009

As a director Carnahan definitely has the goods... Unfortunately the script is your basic renegade-cop narrative, with the usual hoo-ha about justice versus the law.

| Apr 9, 2008

Carnahan shows flair and confidence.

| Apr 9, 2008

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 27, 2007

If Carnahan keeps wrenching this material back an inch or two from clich, it's only an inch or two.

| Jan 26, 2006

Joe Carnahan's Narc is familiar stuff, but it is bracingly effective. There hasn't been a cop and robbers film this cold and harsh since the 1970's.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 13, 2005

For a picture that's billed as fresh and bracing, this is a pretty formulaic scheme, which Carnahan attempts to jolt into life through jittery direction.

Full Review | Mar 3, 2005

Narc est un film extrmement conventionnel dans son histoire, mais brille dans sa ralisation, son atmosphre et son style.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Feb 25, 2005

Sometimes it seems a director tries to pack in as much harsh footage as an R-rating will allow for its own sake. That itself is a violent act. The audience is the victim.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Jan 15, 2005

This is a dark, depressing, excessively violent, profusely profane film, not for the squeamish or anyone who likes elevating entertainment.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Oct 7, 2004

| Original Score: C | Aug 7, 2004

A showcase for two talented actors and [Joe] Carnahan's technical wizardry, Narc is welcome entry in a tired genre.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 6, 2004

It's a triumph of style over substance, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 6, 2003

The director is helped in no small part by his leading men.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 31, 2003