Body Cam (2020) Movie Review
"Body Cam," a B-movie with a focus on exposing corrupt Los Angeles cops, falls short of expectations. While it has some decent set pieces, like a scene in a liquor store, the film disappoints in other aspects. The plot is too predictable, the performances lack depth, and the dialogue feels unnatural.
The story kicks off with a cop pulling over a van on a tense night in Los Angeles. The recent clashes between the police and citizens add to the atmosphere. The encounter takes a bizarre turn when the driver, a frightened woman played by Anika Noni Rose, somehow sends the cop flying into the air.
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A flashback introduces the real protagonists, Renee (Mary J. Blige) and Danny (Nat Wolff). Renee, returning to the force after trauma, and Danny, the supposed new guy, come off as one-dimensional characters. Their backgrounds aim to add depth but end up feeling clichéd. The film misses an opportunity to explore the racial and gender dynamics of Renee's character for meaningful social commentary. In the end, "Body Cam" might appeal to die-hard horror fans for its gruesome scenes, but it falls short for those seeking a more engaging experience.
In "Body Cam," after the brutal murder of a fellow cop, Renee and Danny investigate the crime scene. Renee, played by Mary J. Blige, discovers something supernatural on the dash cam footage. A mysterious force starts cleaning up corrupt cops, with Renee being the only one aware of the truth. The cast includes reliable actors like David Warshofsky and David Zayas, but the movie primarily revolves around Mary J. Blige searching dark rooms with a flashlight.
The film's major issue is its pacing, especially during prolonged sequences of flashlight exploration that turn from suspenseful to tedious. Blige, a talented actress, appears poorly directed and uninterested in the film. The dialogue contributes to the problem, sounding like it's taken from a cliché cop movie handbook, lacking believable character interaction.
However, there are standout scenes that viewers will talk about, notably one in a liquor store. Directed by Malik Vitthal, the scene unfolds with surprising violence and skillful action. These moments elevate the film from its otherwise inert state, filled with too much reliance on rain and darkness. It seems Vitthal aimed to depict bursts of violence mirroring real-world tensions in L.A. Yet, these impactful scenes feel isolated, surrounded by unengaging material that ultimately doesn't justify anyone's time.