The Warriors

Last seen in 2016’s The Borzoi Killings, defense attorney Raquel Rematti defends Sen. Angelina Baldesteri, the widow of assassinated President Jimmy Young, against charges of money laundering, perjury, bribery, and obstruction of justice, in Batista’s twisty, fast-moving legal thriller. Raquel is trying to do her best, but she must fight not only the case presented by the prosecutor but also the senator’s need to do things her way. The situation rapidly deteriorates in the courtroom, as witnesses are caught lying and someone bribes a juror with sex, drugs, and money to hold out for not guilty. Outside the courtroom lurks maniacal drug lord Oscar Caliente. To complicate matters, Raquel’s lover, TV news anchor Hayes Smith, is murdered while on assignment, and somebody may be gunning for Raquel. Powerful courtroom scenes and well-drawn characters are pluses, but the omniscience and barely motivated malice of the villains makes the whole less than believable. Still, fans of TV commentator Batista won’t want to miss this one. (Dec.)