The Gateway comes across as neo-film noir. You know the drill: a hard-drinking, down-on-his-luck, lone wolf who puts up a cynical front but really has a heart-of-gold crosses the wrong people in a crime-ridden city. The difference is that central character, Parker, isn't a private eye, he's a social worker. And instead of LA he lives in either New Orleans or Kansas City -- I don't remember which, nor do I care.
Parker has reason to be pessimistic (though he somehow isn't). He grew up in the foster system before becoming a boxer who never quite made it to the top. His father's still alive but they have a terrible relationship. Nowadays, Parker witnesses horror stories and depravity regularly as he checks on kids in deplorable living situations. One such kid, Ashley, who lives with a barely-there mother and has a father in prison, captures his heart. When Ashley's dad, Mike, is released, he immediately resumes his criminal career and Parker's proximity to the latter's family pulls him into a maelstrom of homicide and police corruption.
The Gateway has great cinematography and the entire cast brings their A-game but the movie just isn't very interesting. Not even with the shootouts and multiple murders. Save your money and skip this one.
Coming to theaters and VOD on September 3.
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