Rampart
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    Feb 15, 2012
    100
    Harrelson is an ideal actor for the role. Especially in tensely wound-up movies like this, he implies that he's looking at everything and then watching himself looking.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    Feb 16, 2012
    88
    In relation to the well-made and sensitive confines of "The Messenger," Rampart required a more unruly visual approach. Beginning and ending with Harrelson, this sophomore effort is full of malignant life.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    Nov 23, 2011
    100
    Oren Moverman's Rampart is a terrific film: tense, shocking, complex, mesmerizing.
  4. indieWIRE
    Reviewed by: Eric Kohn
    Nov 22, 2011
    91
    Rampart is co-written by crime writer James Ellroy as a messy, disorienting noir, and shot by cinematographer Bobby Bukowski with an unsettling degree of realism.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    Feb 10, 2012
    88
    Yup, it could have been a bucket of bleak. But the electric talent of Harrelson and Moverman is too exciting to be anything but exhilarating.
  6. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Stephen Cole
    Feb 9, 2012
    88
    Noir connoisseurs, however, will receive Moverman's latest like a double-bourbon from heaven. Rampart is the best crime-movie fix from Hollywood since "Gone Baby Gone."

User Reviews

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User Score
6.0 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 5 out of 19
  1. keep_yr_bias
    3
    I really wanted to see this movie, and after seeing it, I wanted to like it. However, this movie is flat out terrible. It's a shame, because Woody Harrelson is truly amazing in his role. He's in literally every scene and does everything he can to carry the movie. After his performance though, there isn't one other redeeming aspect of this movie. There is basically NO plot, and the little there is doesn't make any sense. Not because it's complicated, but because it never goes anywhere, and when it does the writers seem to withhold certain aspects of the plot. They must do this to create some sort of "mystery", but the plot is so simple that it's not necessary. When the movie does end, I still didn't fully understand what the he** happened for what was a very dull 2 hours. This wasn't the intention of writers, it was a lazy half-a$$ed script. EVERYBODY behind the scenes of this movie should be disgusted with themselves, for bringing their D game at best, when Woody brought his A game. What a wasted performance, and just proof that you need a whole lot more than a strong acting performance to make a movie good... or even halfway decent for that matter.… Full Review »
  2. BroncosOwnYou
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Still waiting for the movie to end quite frankly. This movie draws you in with it's over the top portrayal of a bent cop who dishes out "street justice" mainly to thugs and cretins that deserve it, but he obviously has a twisted personal life as evidenced by the fact that he (sometimes) lives with the two women he has children with. Making the home life even more ridiculous is the fact that those women are sisters. Making one of his daughters ask him if they are "inbred".

    The movie creates a web of lies and conspiracy, perceived or real, that's for you to decide. Throws in some big (ish) names stars to try and add some legitimacy to the story but fails miserably because NONE of the conflicts in the movie are resolved. No, not one. The movie goes off with no resolution except for the one you may make up in your mind.

    And ending like this to a movie this complex is simply lazy. If you can't write an ending then don't make the movie. Woody Harrelson plays a "dirty" cop, but is surrounded by people trying to catch him that are just as, or more, dirty as he is.

    If you like movies that you have to make up your own ending you'll love this one. If you like a resolution to your stories, let this one fade away.    … Full Review »
  3. baddeadtaste
    8
    A really great movie. Harrelson gives a great performance as a rampart cop that refuses to change his old school ways. Caught up in addiction both chemical and sexual he winds his way through a nightmarish journey between his life as a cop and family man. It is a great story that is well told through Harrelson's performance as well as a few other famous actors that make cameos throughout the film. I highly recommend this film.… Full Review »
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