Movies

Stallone’s ‘Cop Land’: The Underrated Thriller Set to Reboot!

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By the mid-1990s, Sylvester Stallone was struggling to find success following box-office failures such as “Judge Dredd” and “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot”. However, he managed to secure a significant role in 1997 with the commercially successful film “Cop Land“. This project helped him regain momentum. The 1997 crime thriller finds Stallone portraying Freddy Heflin, a sheriff in a New Jersey town, who becomes embroiled in a scandal involving corrupt NYPD officers.

Directed by James Mangold, who has since worked on films like “Logan” and “A Complete Unknown”, the movie features a stellar supporting cast, with stars such as Ray Liotta, Harvey Keitel, and Robert De Niro. It seems that after almost 30 years, there might be a new take on “Cop Land”. According to Variety, the new leader of Miramax is interested in rebooting several titles, with “Cop Land”, a late-90s film starring Sylvester Stallone, being one of them. Before any potential revival, it’s worth appreciating why “Cop Land” remains one of Sylvester Stallone’s most underestimated films.

You Should Watch (Or Rewatch) Sylvester Stallone’s Cop Land Now That A Reboot Is Coming

Freddy Heflin Is One Of Stallone’s Most Unique Characters

Instead of Stallone’s iconic, larger-than-life characters like John Rambo or Rocky Balboa, his portrayal of Freddy Heflin showcases a subdued vulnerability that ranks among the most compelling dramatic performances from an action movie star. In this film, Freddy had overlooked the corruption within a group of NYPD officers in the small town of Garrison, New Jersey. However, when the nephew of one of these officers tragically kills two unarmed Black teenagers on the George Washington Bridge, it triggers a scandal that catches the eye of Internal Affairs investigator Moe Tilden, played by Robert De Niro.

In a bid for assistance with a case, Tilden approaches Freddy, proposing an opportunity to collaborate on the investigation and potentially realize his long-held aspiration of becoming a member of the NYPD. This ambition was dashed following an event that rendered Freddy deaf in one ear. At first hesitant, Freddy eventually acknowledges this reality, understanding he can no longer shield the crooked cops he once admired. Fuelled by a renewed sense of mission, the local sheriff chooses to participate in the investigation, culminating in a fierce, brutal confrontation with the corrupt police officers.

Cop Land Often Doesn’t Get The Credit It Deserves

The Film Proved Stallone Wasn’t Just An ’80s Action Star

Despite boasting a stellar cast, glowing critiques, and one of Sylvester Stallone’s finest acting efforts in his career, the movie “Cop Land” has not received the recognition it truly merits from fans. While viewers appreciated Stallone’s portrayal of Freddy Heflin, they often perceived him through the lens of his iconic action-hero persona, which remains popular to this day. However, over time, the film has proven to be like a fine wine, with the passage of decades shedding light on the depth and energy behind Mangold’s writing and Stallone’s performance.

As Miramax readies for a TV series remake of “Cop Land”, it’s worthwhile for everyone to experience what made Mangold’s 1997 film, “Cop Land“, stand out. Whether you’re new to the movie or an avid Sylvester Stallone fan, you’ll surely admire the weight and impact that Stallone delivers in this often-overlooked ’90s crime thriller.

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2025-05-01 18:49

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