16 Blocks
User Score
6.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 97
  3. Negative: 15 out of 97

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  1. PatrickT.
    Mar 10, 2006
    9
    The bottom line is it's fun. Even if you can predict what'll happen from time to time, it's fun. The 3 major characters are all compelling to watch -- Willis, Def, and especially David Morse as the bad guy. Contrary to some of the reviews, there ARE twists that are difficult to predict, including the biggest one near the end. Yeah, Mos Def talks too much and his affected voice takes a few minutes to get used to. But he also provides the sentimental underside to this well-done movie.… Expand
  2. TarynM.
    Mar 3, 2006
    9
    Bruce Wilis & Mos Def have great chemistry; the action was edge of your seat entertaining; David Morse played a great heavy - such an underrated actor. Got teary-eyed at the end. All in all, a great ride!
  3. BillM.
    Mar 3, 2006
    9
    Remember The Gauntlet? This is a good spinoff with great twists. Mos Def is a bit tiresome since he never shuts up. That's his role...
  4. JusA.
    Mar 4, 2006
    9
    The plot seems very thin at times, but its not that detrimental because the character development is superb. It does drift into a few cliches now and then, but it is a very fun movie with a great cast. Bruce Willis and Mos Def have great chemistry, and David Morse shines. 16 blocks never drags along, its a well constructed piece of filmmaking.
  5. AkeemG.
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    I think that the everyone gave this movie a low rating for ridiculous reasons. I really don't understand why people has to let something as simple as mos def's voice get in their way of enjoying the movie, personally I thought that his voice was kinda funny. I really liked the story and script for this movie, the directing was pretty good and the casting was perfect, no other actors in the whole wide world could have played any of the parts better than any of the actors in this movie. 16 blocks is one of the best action thrillers that my eyes have ever gazed upon. Why can't there be more movies like this in the theaters.… Collapse
  6. TrondD.
    May 9, 2007
    9
    A very very good movie, and like cannot believe that it has got these bad ratings.
  7. MarcusL.
    Apr 3, 2009
    10
    I don't get how you people give this great movie a score below a 7. I think it was very good and Mos Def and Bruce Willis did a very good job acting in it.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 2 out of 34
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Sheri Linden
    70
    Although much of the plot defies credulity, Richard Donner directs the odd-couple action drama with a nimble facility that draws viewers in.
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Robert Koehler
    70
    Not that it ever rises to the level of Sidney Lumet's Gotham police pics ("Serpico," "Prince of the City"), but 16 Blocks does raise the banner for the tradition of the textured urban cop drama, spurred by action but made substantial by characters at crossroads.
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  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    70
    A happier surprise is the smart work of director Richard Donner: 16 Blocks is all jumble and jangle--crowds, snarled traffic, and discordant car horns. The scariest moments have no music.
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