In Too Deep (1999) **

Directed by Michael Rymer. With Omar Epps, LL Cool J and Nia Long. An African-American Donnie Brasco, with a black cop (Epps) working deep undercover to expose a ruthless drug lord (Cool J). The opening scene is terrific, using cross-cutting, flashbacks and brechtian distanciation in a new and exciting way. But then, unfortunately, the film settles comfortably on a conventional narrative path, with few surprises or thrills.