Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
Performance & Direction: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans Review
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans features a noteworthy lineup led by Nicolas Cage . Supported by the likes of Eva Mendes and Val Kilmer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
Quick Plot Summary: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans is a Drama, Crime film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Terrence McDonagh is a New Orleans Police sergeant, who receives a medal and a promotion to lieutenant for heroism during Hurricane Katrina. Due to his heroic act, McDonagh injures his back and becomes addicted to prescription pain medication. He then finds himself involved with a drug dealer who is suspected of murdering a family of African immigrants. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
Ending Breakdown: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $10.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans Budget
The estimated production budget for Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
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Where to Watch Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans Online?
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2009 AdvisoryWondering about Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans is 122 minutes (2h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans worth watching?
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans?
The total duration of Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans is 122 minutes, which is approximately 2h 2m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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