What’s It About
In 1992, Mercer (Gibson) is desperately trying to rebuild his life and relationship with his son (Christopher A’mmanuel) amidst the turbulent 1992 L.A. uprising following the Rodney King verdict. Across town, another father and son (Liotta and Scott Eastwood) put their own strained relationship to the test as they plot a dangerous heist to steal catalytic converters, which contain valuable platinum, from the factory where Mercer works. As tensions rise in Los Angeles and chaos erupts, both families reach their boiling points when they collide
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
“1992” surprises with its compelling blend of family drama and heist thriller, set against the backdrop of the Rodney King riots. This ambitious film manages to weave together disparate narrative elements into a taut, engaging story, elevated by strong performances from its cast—including Ray Liotta in his final role. The story unfolds on a single day in April 1992, as Los Angeles erupts in the wake of the Rodney King verdict. Mercer (Tyrese Gibson), an ex-con trying to walk the straight and narrow, finds himself and his son Antoine (Christopher A’mmanuel) caught in a dangerous situation. Across town, career criminal Lowell (Ray Liotta) and his sons Riggin (Scott Eastwood) and Dennis (Dylan Arnold) plan to exploit the chaos, targeting a factory for its valuable catalytic converters. A powder keg of tension ignites when these two families collide at the heist location. “1992” cleverly uses its historical setting to explore themes of injustice, property rights, and the cycle of violence. The film draws explicit parallels between looting and organized crime, forcing viewers to consider the nature of “legitimate” and “illegitimate” theft. While these comparisons aren’t subtle, they’re organically woven into the narrative, adding depth to the characters’ motivations and conflicts. The movie also delves into fatherhood and legacy, contrasting Mercer’s attempts at redemption with Lowell’s corrupting influence on his sons. While painted in broad strokes, these familial themes provide emotional anchors for the unfolding drama. “1992” excels in building and maintaining tension, with several well-crafted set pieces that keep viewers on edge. The film’s premise allows for intelligent exploration of its themes, even if the dialogue occasionally lacks subtlety. However, the movie doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. Some dramatic moments resolve too quickly or simplistically, undercutting the tension. The characters, while well-performed, could benefit from more complex writing to match the actors’ talents. Despite its flaws, “1992” rises above typical B-movie fare. It’s a thoughtful crime thriller that attempts to grapple with weighty themes while delivering suspense and solid performances. While it may fall short of greatness, it offers enough substance to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. For fans of tense dramas or those interested in films that explore historical events through a personal lens, “1992” is certainly worth a watch. It serves as a fitting finale for Ray Liotta and showcases the potential of its talented cast and intriguing premise.
OUR RATING – A STANDOUT LIOTTA 7