The Cops Are Robbers Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Cops Are Robbers
| Movie | The Cops Are Robbers |
| Release Year | 1990 |
| Director | Paul Wendkos |
| Genre | Drama / Crime / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 93 minutes (1h 33m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Cops Are Robbers (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.3/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in The Cops Are Robbers are led by Ray Sharkey . The supporting cast, including Ed Asner and George Kennedy , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Cops Are Robbers does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Cops Are Robbers has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Cops Are Robbers
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1990, The Cops Are Robbers is a Drama, Crime, TV Movie film directed by Paul Wendkos. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ray Sharkey.
Ending Explained: The Cops Are Robbers
The Cops Are Robbers Ending Explained: Made-for-TV drama about one of the largest crimes in history—the 1980 robbery of the Boston Depositors Trust by a group of policemen. Directed by Paul Wendkos, this 1990 drama film stars Ray Sharkey, alongside Ed Asner, George Kennedy, Steve Railsback. Rated 4.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Cops Are Robbers?
Made-for-TV drama about one of the largest crimes in history—the 1980 robbery of the Boston Depositors Trust by a group of policemen. Capt. Gerry Clemente is the leader of a gang of rotten cops who take their piece of Boston's criminal offerings. The crimes are petty at first, but soon, Clemente sets his sights on a bank that promises a big score. Can the gang pull it off before a case is built against them?
Paul Wendkos's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ray Sharkey's journey. Gerry Clemente is the leader of a gang of rotten cops who take their piece of Boston's criminal offerings.
How Does Ray Sharkey's Story End?
- Ray Sharkey: Ray Sharkey's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ed Asner: Ed Asner's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- George Kennedy: George Kennedy's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Cops Are Robbers Mean?
The ending of The Cops Are Robbers brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Ray Sharkey's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Cops Are Robbers Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Cops Are Robbers Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Cops Are Robbers draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Paul Wendkos and starring Ray Sharkey, this drama, crime, tv movie film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Cops Are Robbers
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: The Cops Are Robbers uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Cops Are Robbers?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch The Cops Are Robbers Online?
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Amazon VideoThe Cops Are Robbers Parents Guide & Age Rating
1990 AdvisoryWondering about The Cops Are Robbers age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Cops Are Robbers (1990) is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Directed by Paul Wendkos, the film runs for 93 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Cops Are Robbers is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1990 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cops Are Robbers worth watching?
The Cops Are Robbers is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Cops Are Robbers parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Cops Are Robbers identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Cops Are Robbers (1990)?
The runtime of The Cops Are Robbers (1990) is 93 minutes (approximately 1h 33m).
movieMx Verified
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.
