I honestly don't know how the title of this movie correlates with its content but whatever, right? Anyway, this one promises an intense, action-packed ride laced with emotional stakes and social commentary. With Jason Momoa in the lead role, the film attempts to blend themes of revenge, corporate greed and familial love into a gripping thriller.
Synopsis
The film follows Ray Cooper (Jason Momoa), a devoted husband and father, who vows to bring down a pharmaceutical company responsible for withholding a life saving drug. This decision comes after his wife’s death due to cancer, which could have been treated if the drug had been made available.
As Ray seeks justice, his mission spirals into a dangerous quest for vengeance, placing him and his teenage daughter, Rachel (Isabela Merced), in harm's way.
Review and a little bit of personal Criticism
This film’s strongest asset in my opinion is its emotional core. Jason Momoa gives a heartfelt performance as a grieving husband and a protective father. Isabela Merced also shines as Rachel as she delivers a nuanced performance that balances vulnerability with resilience. The father-daughter relationship is the greatest part of the movie, grounding the action sequences with genuine emotional weight.
On the other hand, the action scenes are intense and well choreographed, with Jason showcasing his physicality in brutal confrontations but the pacing, is uneven. The film’s first half builds tension effectively, but the second half feels rushed and the much discussed twist, although ambitious, is divisive.
Without giving spoilers, the twist alters the perspective of the entire story but feels poorly integrated, leaving me confused rather than impressed. It’s a bold narrative choice that doesn’t entirely pay off as it undermines some of the emotional stakes established earlier.
Additionally, the film’s attempt at social commentary, that is, addressing corporate greed and healthcare inequality, is cool but it's also surface-level. These themes, while relevant, were not explored deeply, reducing their impact.
In conclusion, I'd say it's a film that aims high, blending personal tragedy with action and social critique. While it features strong performances and gripping action sequences, its uneven pacing and polarizing twist prevents it from fully standing on its potential. It’s an emotional watch, especially for fans of Jason Momoa, but its narrative shortcomings might leave you unsatisfied.
I'll leave it with a 3.5/5 rating.
Happy new year in advance 💕
PS: Directed by Brian Andrew Mendoza