Under Oath 2000 Horror Movie Review

UNDER OATH is not a very good title for this procedural crime thriller, which features strong performances from its three male leads.  The story centers on a couple of cops, who frustrated over the lack of getting either a promotion or a raise, plan a little sideline activity to get some off the record cash.  When the deal goes wrong and an undercover agent is accidentally killed by one of the cops, their lives undergo serious changes.  Jack Scalia (Dallas) is the cop who masterminds the scheme, and Eddie Velez (The Hunted) is the cop who pulls the trigger, and who has a conscience to boot.  Add James Russo as the tough Captain and you have three sturdy, convincing performances.  Although director Dave Payne doesn’t keep the pace as quick as necessary, UNDER OATH nevertheless is effective and does have a surprise twist that I did not see coming.  Gritty and better than average.