The Infiltrator

Too bad this didn't get much traction at the theaters, because The Infiltrator is one nice almost sleeper like of a hit.  I say almost, because it should be obvious in the cast of Bryan Cranston, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, and Diane Kruger that the promise of stellar performances was sold. Cranston plays a U.S. Customs agent who infiltrates the organization of Pablo Escabar. Yes, the Breaking Bad star has obviously done this type of role before and it's no great stretch and yes, it's like Miami Vice taking place in the 80's and in Florida.  But in reality, it's a true story that is wholeheartedly interesting, thrillingly tense, and filled with interesting characters.  In recent years, there is much of a void in films or at least the film industry has been very much trumped by this golden era of high quality television series. When one of the best television actors takes the lead in a motion picture of this stature and similar genre of what he's most famous for, and still uniquely nails it, it's something to witness.  It would be easy to say Cranston was typecast and simultaneously naive to deny he helped to greenlight The Infiltrator, but it would also underestimate what he really brings as an actor to this role.  The film is certainly in good company with Donnie Brasco or a Carlito's Way in quality crime dramas.