LOS ANGELES -- Whoa, could Keanu Reeves' performance in the crime drama Street Kings convince skeptics the dude can act?

Forest Whitaker seems to think so.

"I think it's one of the strongest things I've ever seen him in. It's another side of him, such a dark side of him," says Whitaker.

"He's worn and withered and tired. Not happy with the world and aggressive. He does a good job. There's not a scene he's not in."

Due out in April and formerly entitled The Night Watchmen, Street Kings is based on a script from legendary noir author James Ellroy (L.A. Confidential) and directed by David Ayer (Training Day). As you might expect, it's thick with cops, corruption and criminality.

"It's hardcore. I just saw it two days ago. The movie's so intense," Whitaker says.

"I called the director from here yesterday to just tell him what a great job I thought he did. It's such a powerful movie -- non-comprising and intense.

"I really liked it," Whitaker continues. "It's interesting because I don't know if it offers hope.

"I tend not to like movies that don't offer hope or violent movies ... but I liked (this movie)."

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