In Too Deep (1999)

Directed by Michael Rymer. Starring Omar Epps, Hill Harper, Stanley Tucci, Nia Long, LL Cool J, Jake Weber, David Patrick Kelly, Richard Brooks, Pam Grier, Veronica Webb. [R]

Fresh out of the police academy, Epps goes undercover to get close to a major crack dealer who goes by “God” (LL Cool J), but the pressures of the job cause psychological distress and he struggles to separate his two identities of cop and crook. Strictly by-the-numbers ‘hood drama/police thriller; craftsmanship is satisfactory, scripting is routine but slightly more plausible than average for its type, and performances are fine. If you’re in the mood for this kind of thing and don’t mind swimming through rehash, it’ll fit the bill. Hip hop/R&B soundtrack notable for featuring the debut single from rapper 50 Cent (“How to Rob”).

53/100