Despite the presence of stars such as Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey, this crime drama is notable mainly for teen idol Justin Timberlake's starring debut. He features in the pivotal role of a fledgeling reporter getting in too deep while investigating police corruption. Timberlake tries almost too hard, but he's lacking that inner spark needed to make his character believable. As expected, however, Freeman and Spacey own the screen, and they're well supported by a host of familiar faces - Dylan McDermott, John Heard, Cary Elwes. The real surprise is LL Cool J, giving an honest performance of strength and subtlety, and providing a welcome distraction from the far too simplistic ending.

In the troubled city of Edison, a young journalist, his jaded editor, and an honest investigator from the district attorney's office join forces to gather evidence against corrupt members of an elite police unit.