The Negotiator isn’t reinventing the wheel on cop thrillers, and so the first few minutes of this film by Gary Gray (The Italian Job, Straight Outta Compton) pass by predictably. Jackson’s Danny Roman is a superstar of an officer, then quickly falls from grace once he gets wind of a corrupt scheme within the hallowed halls of his department. Framed and desperate, he does what he does best: negotiate his way out. He stages a hostage situation of his own and outsmarts the police at every turn. The only man who can match his wit is fellow negotiator Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey), whose outsider status helps Danny investigate his suspected colleagues. Danny and Chris butting heads is the highlight of the film: they’re both quick-witted and genuinely concerned for the greater good, but their differing means puts them on opposite ends. But more than their fiery chemistry, it’s Jackson who elevates the film into modern-classic status. It’s hard to imagine this film working if not for Jackson’s verve, gusto, and utter commitment to playing a man so desperate to get the truth that he’s willing to compromise his moral code. The Negotiator may be formulaic, but thanks to first-rate performances, it’s also deeply interesting and highly entertaining.