Copshop

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 17, 2021

Genre
Action, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Gerard Butler as Bob Viddick
• Frank Grillo as Teddy Murretto
• Alexis Louder as Valerie Young
• Toby Huss as Anthony Lamb
• Chad L. Coleman as Sgt. Mitchell

Director
Joe Carnahan

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Grey (2011)
• Smokin’ Aces (2006)
• The A-Team (2010)

Producer
Frank Grillo, Joe Carnahan, Mark Williams

Writer
Kurt McLeod, Joe Carnahan

Budget
$30 million

Production Company
Open Road Films, Sculptor Media, Zero Gravity Management

Running Time
107 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence and action sequences
• Intense language
• Brief drug use

Movie Story
“Copshop” is a tense and gritty action thriller that takes place almost entirely within the confines of a small-town police station. The story kicks off when Teddy Murretto (Frank Grillo), a con artist on the run, deliberately punches rookie cop Valerie Young (Alexis Louder) to get himself arrested, believing that the safest place to hide from his pursuers is behind bars. However, his plan quickly unravels when hitman Bob Viddick (Gerard Butler) gets himself arrested on purpose as well, intent on finishing the job by eliminating Teddy.

As the night unfolds, the station becomes a battleground, with multiple factions vying for control. Valerie Young, the tough and resourceful rookie, finds herself caught in the middle of the chaos. As bodies start to pile up, she must navigate the deadly conflict between the cunning Murretto and the relentless Viddick, both of whom have their own agendas. Adding to the tension is the arrival of a psychotic killer, Anthony Lamb (Toby Huss), who is also gunning for Teddy, turning the police station into a nightmarish standoff.

“Copshop” is packed with sharp dialogue, brutal action sequences, and a dark sense of humor. The film thrives on the dynamic between its characters, particularly the cat-and-mouse game between Butler and Grillo, and the unexpected twists that keep the audience guessing. Valerie Young emerges as the standout character, holding her own against the two seasoned criminals and proving that she is more than capable of surviving the night.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Copshop” are grounded and practical, focusing on creating realistic and visceral action sequences. The gunfights are intense and well-choreographed, with a gritty, down-to-earth approach that amplifies the tension. The film also uses its confined setting effectively, with clever use of lighting and sound design to heighten the suspense and create a claustrophobic atmosphere within the police station.

Box Office Performance
“Copshop” faced challenges at the box office due to the ongoing pandemic and its limited release, grossing around $6 million worldwide. However, the film found a niche audience through its VOD release, where it gained recognition for its throwback to 70s-style action thrillers and strong performances.

Filming Locations

• Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Notable Quotes

• “How did you two assholes end up in my station?” – Valerie Young
• “I’m the guy you call when you can’t call 911.” – Bob Viddick

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Joe Carnahan is known for his knack for blending action with dark humor, and “Copshop” is no exception. The film was shot on a tight schedule, with much of the action taking place on a single set designed to replicate the police station. Carnahan’s collaboration with Frank Grillo, who also served as a producer, helped bring the script’s gritty tone to life. Alexis Louder’s role as Valerie Young was widely praised, marking a breakthrough performance in her career.

Awards

• Nominated for Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Awards: Best Action Film

Final Verdict
“Copshop” is a stylish, pulse-pounding action thriller that offers a fresh spin on the genre. With strong performances from its cast, particularly Alexis Louder and Gerard Butler, and a tightly-wound script full of surprises, it’s a film that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. While it may not have made waves at the box office, “Copshop” is a hidden gem for fans of gritty, character-driven action films.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10