In Too Deep (1999)

36% of critics liked it
(55 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(7,136 ratings)

In this crime thriller, L.L. Cool J is a underworld boss so powerful that his nickname is "God." He has his fingers in 80% of the drug traffic in Cincinnati, has won over nearly every adversary through bribery or intimidation, and seems practically untouchable. New police detective Jeffrey Cole… More In this crime thriller, L.L. Cool J is a underworld boss so powerful that his nickname is "God." He has his fingers in 80% of the drug traffic in Cincinnati, has won over nearly every adversary through bribery or intimidation, and seems practically untouchable. New police detective Jeffrey Cole (Omar Epps), convinced that he's the man who can bring down "God" and his empire, assumes a criminal identity that allows him to infiltrate "God"'s organization. However, the longer Cole remains inside the underworld, the more he finds himself caught up in it, and getting out of "God"'s empire becomes more difficult than getting in. The supporting cast includes Stanley Tucci as Cole's superior, Nia Long as Cole's girlfriend , and Pam Grier as an undercover detective, as well as hip-hop artists Nas and Mya. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Michael Rymer
Written By: Paul Aaron, Michael Henry Brown
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Aug 25, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Feb 15, 2000
Studio: Dimension Films

Critic Reviews

Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
In its exploration of the moral dilemma of the undercover life, In Too Deep breaks no ground. But Epps is a leading man on the rise, and Cool J is something to see.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Competent yet largely forgettable.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
The movie is a weakly scripted shambles.
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sharp performances.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Aaron and Brown's script resounds throughout with astringent dialogue and stark authenticity.
John Petrakis, Chicago Tribune
The script irrevocably falters.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
So uneven it's downright schizophrenic.
Dwayne E. Leslie, Boxoffice Magazine
Although it is based on a true story, the subject matter has been covered too many times to care, and the by-the-book plot plods along to an anti-climatic finish.
Kamal 'The Diva' Larsuel, 3BlackChicks Review
Not everyone can deal with this level of violence.
Bruce Kirkland, Jam! Movies
In the end, In Too Deep becomes just another bad movie about bad people doing bad things. With none of the glorious fun we used to have watching Pam Grier strut her stuff.
Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide
It doesn't match up to the same level as Donnie Brasco, but In Too Deep is still a decent update of the gangster genre.
Jack Garner, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
An involving, well-acted saga!
Yazmin Ghonaim, Cinephiles
In Too Deep offers a valuable perspective on violence and on the human tendency to suppress it or to relish it.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bobby H

Because this movie takes place in Cinncinnatti and I am from Ohio and about to finish up my degree in Criminal Justice I could be a little bias in this review... But in my opinion it was a five star movie. Omar Epps does an amazing job at his emotionally conflicted role as an… More
Because this movie takes place in Cinncinnatti and I am from Ohio and about to finish up my degree in Criminal Justice I could be a little bias in this review... But in my opinion it was a five star movie. Omar Epps does an amazing job at his emotionally conflicted role as an under-cover cop and LL Cool J Surprisenly pulls off an amazing performance as "God" a major drug lord pushing an 11million dollar crack trade. Inspired by a true story, this movie captures the emotions of those who must of been conflicted in the real life event, as well as captures what people involved in drug trade, good evil or bystander, see's and goes through on a day-to-day base. What is even better about this film is it's not your typical crime movie. It's more so about the life of an under-cover cop and the struggles to keep there personal life and there undercover persona seperated. Sometimes when a man is undercover so long it's easy to lose your way and believe that you are the personality you play on the street, and Omar Epps, captures that perfectly. I apersonally was also especially refreashed by the fact that this took place in Ohio, a different scene than the same old "New York, LA, Miami" that we have seen in at least a thousand movies now. It's a great new setting, for an unpredictable, action packed, and emotional criminal drama. It passes in all areas!
danny d

decent flick but not as good as many under cover movies