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Here's a look at a surprisingly captivating film that rounded out February.

Snitch
Starring: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michael K. Williams, Jon Bernthal, Susan Sarandon, Barry Pepper, and Benjamin Bratt
Synopsis: There is a tendency to look at a trailer for a film like "Snitch" and assume it will be an action film. After all, the film is marketed to fans of The Rock, who is a great action movie star. But going into "Snitch" and assuming it's going to be an action film would be a mistake. This is a drama — one that wants to look at some hard issues. Sure, there are some action sequences in it, but don't mistake this for a spin-off of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, it isn't. Co-writer/director Ric Roman Waugh was a stunt coordinator, and the action and stunt sequences in the film are done well. But that isn't the point. Waugh and his co-writer, Justin Haythe ("Revolutionary Road," "The Clearing"), want to explore something in our society and in our system that is broken. And I counter that anyone who leaves this film that isn't thinking more deeply about our system wasn't really paying attention. There is a lot going on in this film and a lot to like. It has a deep cast, an engrossing plot, and doesn't really try to preach. It lays out a simple story — based on true events — that is meant to offer one example of how the system isn't really working for the benefit of society. And it does that powerfully. This film takes a hard look at mandatory minimums — the hard and fact rules governing drug offenses and jail time that were set up decades ago to help swiftly end the war on drugs. Clearly it isn't working, and this film takes the time to explore why. This isn't a new idea — that America's war on drugs is failing. Thirteen years ago, "Traffic" offered a bleak look at the war on drugs. It was a brilliant film, gave you plenty of food for thought, and indicated that the system and the approach is broken. During ESPN's "30 for 30" series, one of the documentaries looked at the story of Len Bias, his death, and how that helped inform the mandatory minimums that were created. Decades later, government officials, people on the street, and journalists all agreed the laws didn't do what they were intended to do. Instead, they've become tools used to oppress minorities and the poor. That may sound like a harsh take but, hey, sometimes the truth hurts. Worse, our government now twists these weapons at their disposal in order to make splashy busts that lead to better jobs when voters see tangible evidence of success — no matter how hollow that might be. That is the side of the argument that "Snitch" tackles, and it does it very well. It was striking, at the end of the film, when the filmmakers inform the audience that a first time drug offender — thanks to mandatory minimums — receives more time in jail than rapists, thieves, those who commit aggravated assault, or those who commit manslaughter. Does that seem balanced to you? It doesn't to me, and that's one of the points of the film. Of course there are other good take aways from the film. It's  a beautiful portrait of the lengths fathers will go to create a better life for their children, protect their children, and bring honor to their family. And, it was an incredible change of pace for The Rock. Known for his comedic and action film chops, The Rock had to do some serious dramatic acting in this film and he did an incredible job. He was believable in the role and he helped make the film what it was. Doubtless many saw this as a throw away action film during a two-month period that has been ripe with them. But "Snitch" is so much more than that. It's a film that wants to tell an important story, wants to make you think, and does both things well.
Rating: PG-13 for drug content and sequences of violence.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.