New York City homicide detective Vincent LaMarca has forged a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, making a name for himself as a man intensely committed to his work. But on his latest case, the stakes are higher for Vincent—the suspect he’s investigating is his own son. He and Joey have been painfully estranged ever since Vincent divorced his wife and left the decaying boardwalks of Long Beach, Long Island for the anonymity of Manhattan and a successful career with the NYPD. He lives his life in solitude, keeping his girlfriend at arm’s length; the closest relationship he maintains is with his partner, Reg—and Vincent makes sure that stops at the precinct door. As long as Vincent lives in the protection of the present, he doesn’t have to deal with the pain of his past—or his sorrow over his broken relationship with Joey. But this murder investigation is drawing Vincent home to Long Beach… -IMDb
Michael Caton-Jones (born Michael Jones; 15 October 1957) is the director of such films as Scandal, Rob Roy, Memphis Belle and The Jackal. Caton-Jones was born in Broxburn, Lothian, Scotland. He attended to St Marys Academy in Bathgate, and trained at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, Bucks, UK. A lifelong Celtic FC supporter, Caton-Jones is married to film producer Laura Viederman, with whom he has 2 children (Romy b. 2001 and Charlie b. 2003). He also has two daughters from a previous relationship (Daisy b. 1983 and Molly b. 1990). His film Basic Instinct 2 won several Razzies at the 2007 ceremony. —Wikipedia
Although this is primarily a Cop Drama, we delve into a deep and dark Father and Son relationship which makes this a worthwhile watch. An early role for James Franco, delivering a tour-de-force as De Niro's junkie son, sliding away from slef consciousness.
Great performances from De Niro, Franco and McDormand in an otherwise mediocre film.