It's best to avoid situations where you have to use a weapon, because running away is the better option. Hickey & Boggs was directed by Robert Culp and written by Walter Hill. The cast includes Culp, Bill Cosby, James Woods, Ta-Ronce, Carmencristina Moreno, Rosalind Cash, Lou Frizzel, Isabel Sanford, and Sheila Sullivan. Ted Ashford composed the music, and Bill Butler handled the cinematography. Al Hickey (Cosby) and Frank Boggs (Culp) are weary private investigators who take on a case to locate a missing woman, only to find themselves caught up in a world of murder and deception. I don’t believe the title accurately reflects the film; it doesn't hint at how dark and powerful this neo-noir really is. In many respects, Hickey & Boggs presents an unconventional take on the private investigator genre, portraying two men struggling to maintain their livelihood while clinging to what remains of their careers as private detectives. Robert Culp and Walter Hill strip away any pretense, presenting a detective agency that's anything but glamorous; Al and Frank do this work simply because it’s all they have left, essentially all they know. The filmmakers guide the two men through a dirty and unpleasant Los Angeles, placing them among an assortment of odd characters: killers, revolutionaries, people with unusual interests, and angry officials. There are surprisingly vibrant colors throughout, notably the detectives' bright blue and green suits, but this color coding serves as a facade, a distraction. While the city appears colorful and sunny on the surface, Hickey & Boggs operates at a much darker level; its urban setting couldn’t be further from what you'd find in a travel brochure. Al and Frank, despite their unfortunate circumstances, are broken people who struggle with basic human interaction. Even between themselves, they seem unable to communicate beyond work-related topics. Dialogue is actually a key element of the film, or rather its absence. There’s some sharp dialogue reminiscent of classic noir, but the movie shines brightest during moments of silence between Al & Frank, which speak volumes. One will often ramble or repeatedly ask questions, while the other stares blankly ahead or reaches for another drink to numb their pain. As a character study, the film delves into a clinically cynical portrayal of these men. The action sequences are exceptionally well-crafted by Culp. Two shootouts in particular stand out due to their quality and length. The sound is overwhelming, like an armored division unleashing its weaponry, while the visuals have an intentionally comic book feel regarding the depiction of bullets. Excitement is guaranteed, and the finale takes place on a beach, resulting in considerable destruction before abruptly ending the film in a fitting manner. At times, the screenplay seems overly conscious of referencing classic film noir, with Walter Hill, making his writing debut, showing some signs of inexperience, although his genuine admiration for this style of filmmaking is evident. Three things are clear after watching Hickey & Boggs today. First, Culp’s talent as a director shouldn't have been stifled by the film’s disappointing box office performance. Second, Cosby demonstrates here that he was capable of delivering powerful character-driven drama; his performance is simply outstanding. And third, Hickey & Boggs deserves more recognition and should be essential viewing for anyone interested in neo-noir. 9/10

Source on TMDB