CLEANER IS MILDLY NEATYou've seen this film before, you just don't know it. It's a story about an ex-cop turned working stiff who gets pulled into a situation where what seems to be a normal occurrence turns into a volcano of mystery and mayhem. Once the players are in place, he doesn't know who to trust. The lined between good and bad show more gray than he has on his head. Samuel Jackson is Tom, the "retired" police officer. As always, Jackson delivers his performance effortlessly. Jackson has a fantastic bond with is on screen daughter. Rose (Keke Palmer, perfectly cast), strong willed and patient, teetering on the line between child to a very mature teenager, that adds to Tom's predicament. Ed Harris is an old friend of Tom's, sleep walking through a smaller role than he usually conquers. Eva Mendes is also in the film. Renny Harlin does an amazing job as director. The film is tight and beautiful. The transitions between scenes is clever and noticeable. It is a very pretty film. The biggest problem is that it is too formulaic. You can guess what's coming next and once the players are identified you sit patiently trying to figure out which one is not telling the truth. So, the last ten minutes are built around that pivot ending in an unsatisfying but also unpredictable ending. Worth watching if you can forgive the obvious.
PICK: Although plot is recycled, a well done and smart suspenseful movie.
