Escorting Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) to testify in court may sound like an easy, albeit menial task, but in 16 Blocks just such a task becomes a little more than NYPD officer Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) bargained for. On their way, they are assaulted by two men; bent on ensuring that Eddie does not testify against several New York police officers. Jack shoots one of them, then seeks cover. Shortly after contacting his fellow officers, he learns that the situation is not as it appears. His subsequent actions then send he and Eddie on a race through New York, desperately trying to make it to court before 10:00 AM, despite facing insurmountable adversity from the police force itself.

16 Blocks features plenty of action though at a slower pace than most viewers may be accustomed to. Most of these scenes, however, are borrowed from other movies. Frantic traffic jams and a standoff in a bus, while not exactly new or innovative, are well incorporated and somehow work out well.

The real theme of this film, however, is not action. 16 Blocks is more than just a cat and mouse game, with a few clever surprises. It is about ethics and humanity's ability to change. Jack Mosley is the hackneyed hero in search of self -redemption, while Eddie Bunker is the equally clichéd criminal with good intentions. Through the film, they develop a friendship and find out in the end that both were able to make amends for their pasts.

The actors themselves appear to have a good sense of their characters. Both the stars and the supporting cast deliver entertaining and convincing performances. Director Richard Donner ( Lethal Weapon, Superman ) somehow manages to keep this movie from drifting too far off into any one genre. Throughout its duration, 16 Blocks remains an enjoyable mixture of action and drama, tinged with ethics and the occasional moment of humor.