‘Bad Lieutenant’ has plenty of screws loose

Cert 18, 116 mins, Drama

Terence McDonagh (Nicolas Cage) is a Vicodin-addled cop, who prowls the streets of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, handing out his version of tough justice when he isn’t popping pills or taking drugs.

Prostitute girlfriend Frankie (Eva Mendes) is more than happy to accept narcotics from her beau and feed her insatiable habit.

The murders of a family of five and the activities of local drug lord Big Fate (Alvin “Xzibit” Joiner) prove an unwelcome irritation for McDonagh.

All the while, Terence’s partner Stevie (Val Kilmer) struggles to keep his colleague in check.

Werner Herzog’s remake of Abel Ferrara’s celebrated 1992 film has plenty of screws loose before the credits roll.

Rating: 3/5