If i were evaluating Rampart on performances alone, then we might be discussing a potential film of the year. Unfortunately in this case, it's one of those frustrating experiences that offers so much, yet delivers scant little. Woody Harrelson turns in a career best portrayal as a dirty, stubborn cop in late 1990′s post Rodney King Los Angeles. The film follows his character 'Date Rape Dave', a bigoted, egotistical, misogynistic, womanising bully and how amidst everything he loves going down the proverbial toilet, stays true and faithful in his dedication to being a grade A, morally bankrupt ass. It's here that the film fails Harrelson. As his family, as well as his colleagues gradually turn against him, there are attempts at moments of pathos however it's hard to feel much sympathy leaving the intended emotional scenes, although well acted, as cold and numbing to the viewer as 'Date Rape Dave's' estranged loved ones feel towards him. Some of the direction is good, then at times a little more wayward. The supporting cast are superb, Ned Beatty, Sigourney Weaver and Robin Wright all pitch up solid turns deserving of a better film constructed around them. This is a film that tries to get inside the head of a man who knows what he is and refuses to change but in the end, there is nothing learned and little to draw on other than fine acting. Not a terrible film, but not a terribly good one neither. In short, something of a cop-out. 2/5
