In Joe Carnahan’s The Rip, the A-grade cast drives a superb, steadily mounting spiral of tension and paranoia right up to its twisty finish. Yes, this is a thoroughly entertaining entry in the “corrupt cop” subgenre - maybe not overly groundbreaking in its premise, but absolutely gripping in presntation. And yes, the “inspired by true events” angle gives the entire film an added layer of intrigue, making the moral grime feel just a little too real. And, the characters dropped into this pressure cooker are equally compelling. Each one is forced to confront a maze of moral dilemmas that push them into increasingly murky territory, inviting the audience to ask the inevitable question: What would I? Unsurprisingly though, the major standouts are the film’s biggest stars: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Watching the long-time friends turn their natural chemistry into something sharp, antagonistic, and unpredictable is one of the movie’s greatest pleasures. You can tell they’re relishing the material - chewing into the tension and finding moments to elevate it. And, if you’re hungry for action, The Rip delivers. It just takes its time, simmering with a slow burn momentum. But, when the gunfire finally breaks loose, it doesn’t merely rain, it pours. All told, The Rip is a genuinely good time: a taut, well-acted thriller guided by sharp instincts and confident direction. I say, let ‘er rip with this one!