SLEEPING DOGS (2024) REVIEW

Russell Crowe’s back at it again, folks! And no, I'm not just talking about his legendary grumble. In "Sleeping Dogs," he dives into the role of Roy Freeman, a retired cop swimming in the turbulent waters of dementia. With notes plastered around his house like a conspiracy theorist's dream board, Roy's just trying to remember his own name, let alone solve a murder. But hey, why not throw in some brain surgery and medication cocktails for good measure? It's the Hollywood way!

When Isaac Samuel, a man facing death row for a crime he probably didn't commit, comes knocking on Roy's memory-challenged door, it's game on. Flashbacks, suspicious deaths, and a side of Karen Gillan as a "rare unicorn" researcher all add up to one dizzying plot. And did I mention the puzzle metaphor? Because apparently, solving a jigsaw puzzle is now the key to unlocking both memory loss and murder mysteries. Who knew?

Director Adam Cooper takes us on a wild ride through a narrative maze where even the characters seem confused about where they're headed. But fear not, for in this sea of uncertainty, Russell Crowe stands tall like a grumbling beacon of hope. His performance shines brighter than a lighthouse on a stormy night, guiding us through the murky waters of this forgettable film.

So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be both lost and entertained as "Sleeping Dogs" takes you on a ride you won't soon forget. Or maybe you will. After all, memory loss seems to be the theme of the day. But here's hoping this film jolts Crowe awake and reminds him of the actor he truly is.