‘Killer instincts die hard’
Dangerous is a 2021 American action thriller about a reformed sociopath who goes to a remote island to investigate the mystery behind his brother’s demise.
Directed by Canadian David Hackl (Saw V; Into the Grizzly Maze; Life on the Line; Daughter of the Wolf) from a screenplay Christopher Borrelli (Run & Gun; Witches in the Woods; Eloise; The Vatican Tapes). Produced by Benjamin DeWalt, Kevin DeWalt and Douglas Falconer.
The production stars Scott Eastwood (Clint Eastwood’s son), Kevin Durand, Famke Janssen, Mel Gibson, Brock Morgan, Ryan Robbins. Chad Rook, Jayce Barreiro, Emmanuel Addo, Tyrese Gibson, Brendan Fletcher, Leanne Lapp, Destiny Millns, Brenda Bazinet and Al Miro.
Plot:
Ex-con and reformed sociopath Dylan Forrester (Scott Eastwood) is trying to quietly serve out his parole — with the help of a steady supply of antidepressants from his eccentric psychiatrist (Mel Gibson).
However, when his brother dies under mysterious circumstances, Dylan breaks parole and, with a dogged FBI agent (Famke Janssen) on his trail, goes to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, a band of armed mercenaries wants something Dylan’s brother was hiding, and Dylan will need all his guile and tactical skills to survive…
Our review:
Scott Eastwood will doubtless always be compared to his father and there’s fun to be had in spotting the same type of grimaces and subtle smiles we all know so well from iconic characters such as The Man with No Name and Dirty Harry. It’s too early in Scott’s career and roles to predict whether he will be able to move forwards from his dad’s shadow. And Dangerous does nothing to dispel such comparisons except the character of Dylan is certainly more psychotic than any played by Clint who always had the box office in the back of his mind (except for perhaps the edgy Tightrope?).
Christopher Borrelli’s mildly intriguing plot elements soon give way to predictability and Mel Gibson’s drunken (!) doctor role is, unfortunately, included merely to provide some clunky exposition and ridiculous cell calls that would be impossible in reality due to service issues (saying more would involve spoilers). And while the secret of the island is also perhaps rather a giveaway, there’s also a revelation that’s so jaw-droppingly bonkers it’s almost Bond-like.
Making no sense whatsoever, Dangerous is nonetheless entertainingly daft. It moves swiftly and with more gripping actions scenes – David Hackl wasn’t perhaps the best director for this type of thriller – could have been much better. There is certainly fun to be had with ‘cured’ sociopath Dylan’s initial reticence to act without killing his opponents and the confused expressions on his face are priceless.
Channelling a certain Christopher Walken-like detachment, Kevin Durand plays a villain to enjoy even if his persona never really develops much beyond the type of baddie we all expect. Dangerous is well worth a watch if you are willing to go along with its silliness.
Adrian J Smith, MOVIES & MANIA
[May contain spoilers]Other reviews:
“It’s not a deep psychological study of a man getting in touch with his feelings for the first time. Nor is it a great performance — Eastwood’s too brow-knit and poker-faced for that — but it is repeatedly entertaining once the actor gets going […] As indicated, the script by Christopher Borrelli hides some quirky twists and turns of phrase in its nasty, bloody mechanics.” Datebook/SF Chronicle
“Whatever curiosity the story once had is also drained by the predictability of what the mercenaries are presumably looking for as they perform seismic chasing all over the island. Admittedly, there is one surprise within the hidden discovery, but the gist is as basic and generic as these stories come. Scott Eastwood also doesn’t have much to do in the way of action, and if he does, it’s usually something offputting…” Flickering Myth
“The casting of Eastwood (the nepotism is strong with this one) as the lead is an unfortunate choice as well and he simply doesn’t have the tools to carry the film. Not once in the film is he believable as a psychopathic killer. Even towards the end of the film when he’s “fully unleashed,” he’s not convincing. Durand on the other hand, who can play crazy with ease, shows him how to do it throughout the film. I dare say it: the best person in Dangerous is Mel Gibson.” Punch Drunk Critics
“Eastwood, for his part, plays D as stoically as possible, sounding more and more like his famous father with each detached line reading, but Christopher Borrelli’s hackneyed script ensures that his character remains a frustrating cypher […] It’s clear that Hackl and Borrelli want to set up an ultimate psychological showdown between two unstable individuals, but instead of truly probing their ostensibly twisted minds, Dangerous betrays the promise of its title by playing things extremely safe.” Slant
” …the mystery is convoluted beyond measure, Tyrese Gibson and Famke Janssen are pointless, performances are forgettable. In the end, the whole mess feels like the familiar fantasy of doing right by your mother just one time and then disappearing so you can’t screw it up. Which is a better story than the one about a sociopath who decides being a decent human is just not being true to himself.” UK Film Review
“The revelation of what is hidden on the island isn’t all that surprising, although there is one detail I wasn’t expecting. What isn’t a surprise is that Dangerous manages to waste its potential as well […] Not a total failure, but far from the film it should have been, Dangerous is actually anything but. It’s a mild thriller that constantly plays it safe where it needed to take chances.” Voices from the Balcony
Release date:
In the US, Lionsgate will release Dangerous theatrically in select locations on On-Demand on November 5, 2021.
Trailer:
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