The review focuses on the film 'Sleeping Dogs,' which is based on E.O. Chirovici's crime novel, and highlights Russell Crowe's role as a retired police officer grappling with Alzheimer's disease. The film's premise revolves around solving a murder that has haunted the protagonist's past, making it a complex narrative that mirrors Crowe's character's deteriorating memory. While Crowe's performance is praised, the film itself receives a lukewarm rating, described as yet another mediocre addition to the actor's recent work.

The review contrasts Crowe's current role with his prior work, namely his impactful portrayal of Hermann Göring in the film 'Nuremberg,' indicating a significant shift in character depth and complexity. In 'Sleeping Dogs,' Crowe's character, Roy Freeman, faces a challenging emotional journey as he attempts to revisit a case that led to a man's death sentence, adding layers of drama to the plot. The Alzheimer’s storyline provides a poignant backdrop, forcing both the character and the audience to confront the unsettling effects of memory loss.

Overall, the article suggests that while Crowe's charismatic performance helps salvage the film's watchability, 'Sleeping Dogs' falls short of greatness, serving as a reminder of the actor's once-stellar career. The compelling yet flawed nature of the film may appeal to die-hard fans of Crowe, but it is unlikely to resonate deeply with a broader audience, raising questions about the direction of his recent filmography.