What do you get when you have three teenage delinquents who have been chosen to do undercover police work instead of serving jail time? You get "The Mod Squad." This 1999 film, based on the hit television series from the late 1960s to early 1970s, brings these teens into the crime world of the 1990s.
The Story & The Fall
The film's story has several complications from the start, beginning with how we are introduced to our central characters. We're introduced to Julie (Claire Danes), Pete (Giovanni Ribisi), and Lincoln (Omar Epps) as they are each arrested. We then learn they are working for the LAPD under the watchful eye of Captain Adam Greer (Dennis Farina), a partnership that not all the other detectives like.
The story truly falls apart when Captain Greer is shot and killed. The main characters, shocked by his death, leave the scene. After that tragic event, the team splits up. Pete and Lincoln go on their own, while Julie is left alone in a depressed state, relying on her ex-boyfriend, Billy (Josh Brolin).
A Rocky Resolution
This falling action continues for a while until a resolution begins to form when Pete starts to realize that the cop he thought was good is corrupt. As the gang reunites at the beach, they devise a plan. Lincoln pretends to be someone's boy toy while Julie and Pete do a stakeout at an abandoned warehouse.
As things start moving, police cars race in. Everyone was in the warehouse, and that's when Julie and Pete came in, crashing the scene. They stall for time until the other officers arrive. The two kids are arrested, but Pete uses a tape recorder to claim their innocence, proving that the corrupt cops were responsible for Greer's death. Once the case is over, the three decide to reunite and continue as The Mod Squad.
A Dark Setting & Engaging Characters
The film has a dark setting, primarily due to its lighting. The rooms are dim, with fluorescent lighting giving it a grim environment. For example, when the gang is brought back to the station, they are in a room with just enough light to see.
I found the characters to be engaging, particularly the three members of the Squad. Julie has a good-girl persona but is also a troubled alcoholic who knows how to sweet-talk her way out of a situation. Pete, who's not the brightest at times, manages to prove he has what it takes in the end. And there's Lincoln, who has a sarcastic side and wants to get the job done. These characters know they are doing something good; although they may be young and arrogant, they also have a troubled side.
The music in this film is fantastic. The soundtrack features songs from artists like Busta Rhymes, Everlast, Alana Davis, and Curtis Mayfield. One of my favorites, "Goin' Crazy" by SX10, plays in the opening scene and immediately hooks me. I also loved the song "Can't Find My Way Home" by Alana Davis, a close second to the version by Alison Krauss.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely enjoyed the film The Mod Squad. It's a dark, late '90s take on a teen cop drama, made for grown-up teens. It uses a bit of gritty language, showing a real side. I don't see why film critics and others disliked this film or why it bombed in theaters. It was a well-entertained and excellent drama with a good storyline, setting, and characters.
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