My quick rating - 4.6/10. I am always a sucker for Dolph Lundgren vehicles for some reason. Plus I am watching Frasier again weekly so teaming up with Kelsey Grammer drudges up all kinds of nostalgia. The cast was fine but you have definitely seen this flick many times before and far better. The film follows police officer Nick (Lundgren), who is tasked with retrieving an eyewitness, Rosa (played by Christina Villa), after a brutal cartel shooting leaves several DEA agents dead. As Nick and Maria navigate a perilous journey, they uncover a shocking truth: the attack was orchestrated by American forces. This revelation forces Nick to question his allies and decide who to trust as the stakes get higher. Lundgren, as always, brings his trademark stoic intensity to the role. His portrayal of Nick is exactly what I expected. Tough, resilient, and unyielding in the face of danger. Grammer, on the other hand, offers a touch of gravitas to the proceedings. Though his screen time is limited, his presence adds a layer of depth and nostalgia that will undoubtedly please fans of his previous work. The supporting cast does an adequate job, though they are often overshadowed by the film's two leads. Christina Villa shows promise, but her character lacks development, making it difficult to fully invest in her plight. The antagonists are, unfortunately, one-dimensional, serving more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out characters. The direction by Lundgren himself is competent, but it fails to bring anything new to the genre. The action sequences are well-executed but lack the adrenaline-pumping excitement that similar films offer. The pacing is uneven, with moments of tension frequently undercut by predictable plot points. The script is perhaps the film's weakest link and is also written by Lundgren. It relies heavily on tropes and clichés that we've seen countless times before. The dialogue is serviceable but lacks the wit and sharpness that could have elevated the story. The central twist, while intriguing, is telegraphed early on, leaving little room for genuine surprise. Visually, the flick is polished, with competent cinematography that captures the gritty atmosphere of the story. The action scenes are well-choreographed, though they often feel repetitive. It is a serviceable action thriller that benefits from its star power but ultimately falls short of its potential. For fans of Lundgren and/or Grammer, it's worth a watch, but temper your expectations – as I said, you've likely seen this movie done better.
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