SuperMah

Rebel Ridge feels like a mix of Rambo and Cop Land. It follows Terry, a military veteran, played well by Aaron Pierre, who gets caught up in a battle with a corrupt police force. Pierre fits the role nicely and brings a lot of realness and grit to his character.

The movie starts off fast, jumping right into the story and introducing the main characters quickly and we get to see the corruption in the town. The middle part of the film slows down as Terry tries to solve the mystery around why there is corruption.

The fight scenes are good, but not great. They do their job but don't stand out as particularly memorable.

The cinematography, on the other hand, is a strong point. The scenic shots are beautifully done, becoming darker and more intense as the story progresses, which helps set the mood.

The final part of the movie includes a couple of twists. One is surprising, but the other feels a bit forced. The ending hints at what's to come, but it would have been more satisfying if it had gone on a bit longer. Also, the whole story of Mike, Terry's cousin-who plays a key role in the beginning-is left unclear, we are kind of left hanging without knowing exactly what happened.

Overall, Rebel Ridge is an entertaining film with strong visuals and a solid performance from Aaron Pierre. While it follows some familiar patterns and has a few issues with pacing and plot, it still manages to keep the audience engaged.

This Union tries to be a kind of feel good, action, comedy and romance movie but, doesn't hit the mark on any of them very well.

The movie opens with an operation led by "The Union" that goes awry. This type of high-stakes opening scene is typically designed to grab the audience's attention and set the stage for an intense ride ahead. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver that punch, making it a lackluster start.

After the botched operation from the opening scene, Halle Berry's character seeks out Mike, played by Wahlberg, to recruit him. Their dynamic adds some tension and interest to the narrative, but the story itself progresses slowly, with a twist in the middle act that, while significant, doesn't quite pack the punch needed to revive any interest.

Mark Wahlberg brings a much-needed shift in tone. His comedic timing and dialogue inject humor into the film. However, while some of his lines hit the mark, others fall flat. If you've seen any of his prior movies it's basically the same trademark Mark Wahlberg humor.

One of the film's highlights is its use of London as a backdrop. The city's historic sites and landmarks are beautifully captured, lending a touch of grandeur and authenticity to the film. The action sequences are plentiful, but they often stretch the bounds of realism, with physics seemingly ignored in several scenes. This may appeal to fans of over-the-top action.

Overall, The Union offers plenty of action and a sprinkling of humor, but it struggles with a weak storyline. While the film is packed with action, the quality doesn't always match the quantity. It's a movie that entertains in parts but doesn't fully deliver.

From its corny dialogue to its shaky cam work, the movie struggles to find its footing and ultimately falls flat.

One of the first things that stands out is the cringe-worthy dialogue. At one point, a character in an audition video says, "I'm a three-time X Games champion," only for the guy watching to respond with , "Oh yeah, I know her she's a triple X Games champion." This kind of forced and unnatural dialogue is a recurring issue throughout the film, making it hard to take any of the characters seriously.

The story itself is riddled with flaws, failing to engage the viewer on any meaningful level. A particularly bizarre moment involves a character named Kemp sending a creepy video where he suddenly turns to the camera and gives a wave. Despite this unsettling introduction, the main characters-husband and wife-decide to give someone who wronged them in the past a second chance, seemingly based on this odd video alone. Kemp's disdain for the couple is palpable from the moment he arrives to the gym but they put up with his antics unclear to us why. The backstory is gradually revealed, but by the time it all comes together, you're likely to not care.

Technically, it's a mess. The sound quality is poor, plagued by an annoying static that gives you a headache. The lighting is equally problematic. The entire production has the feel of something shot on an iPhone.

The acting is another major downfall. The performances lack depth and authenticity, making it impossible to connect with the characters on any level. Even when the film tries to explore the reasons behind the characters' odd behaviors, the lack of emotional depth leaves you feeling disconnected.

In the end, the film tries to be deep but misses the mark entirely. With a flawed story, terrible acting, and technical issues that distract more than they enhance, it's a movie that's easy to skip. Despite its attempts at psychological complexity, there's no real substance here.