ALL $$ AIN’T GOOD $$.

Just as music mogul David King (Denzel Washington) is about to close an important business deal, word comes that his son has been kidnapped.

This adaptation of the classic crime novel by Ed McBain shares story elements and ideas with it and Akira Kurosawa’s film High and Low (1963), but stands confidently on its own. Part love letter to New York City, much of the film takes place on the subway and in the streets as the hunt for the kidnapper goes on, including a vibrant sequence involving salsa legend Eddie Palmieri.

Washington is very good as ”King David” who finds his moral judgment challenged by an upstart.

2025-U.S. 133 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Spike Lee. Screenplay: Alan Fox. Novel: ”King’s Ransom” (Ed McBain). Music: Howard Drossin. Song: ”Trunks” (performed by ASAP Rocky). Cast: Denzel Washington (David King), Jeffrey Wright (Paul Christopher), Ilfenesh Hadera (Pam King), ASAP Rocky (Archie/Yung Felon), Ice Spice, Frederick Weller, Wendell Pierce. Cameos: Rosie Perez, Anthony Ramos.

Trivia: Co-executive produced by Lee. Wright’s son in the film is played by his real-life son. Martin Scorsese and Mike Nichols were reportedly considered for directing duties at earlier stages.

Last word: “He called me up — I didn’t even recognize his phone number. We haven’t done anything since Inside Man, which was 18, 19 years ago. He told me he was going to send me the script, and before I even hung up the phone, I knew I was doing it […] One of the many things that makes Denzel a genius is he’s not just relying on the script or relying on the director, he’s bringing his full essence. He brings his full being into every role that he does. And when you have someone like that — that’s why I say he’s the greatest living actor.” (Lee, Business Insider)