What’s supposed to be an adrenaline-pumping experience got me in tears–of disappointment.
Without Remorse is a movie that has huge potential but was weighed down by a generic plot–actually, it was a frail screenplay.
Based on the 1993 Tom Clancy novel of the same name, Stefano Sollima’s action thriller was a disappointing end result of a movie that has been in development hell for years. Save for the lead, Michael B. Jordan (John Kelly), who’s probably the only saving grace of the movie, there was basically not a lot to be excited about in this movie.
Most action thrillers have huge opening scenes that set the tone for the rest of the movie, and half the time, these flicks are able to pull it off. The opening act in Without Remorse was, sadly, without any excitement–a dismal effort to hook viewers in.
Many of the fight scenes were also a let down, considering we’ve got a group of highly skilled fighters armed with high-calibre guns, grenades, and other weapons that can destroy an entire building floor. The few hand-to-hand combat scenes were excruciating to watch not because of the gore, but because of the feeling that you were shortchanged.
Kelly’s me-against-the-entire-SWAT-team fight scene, however, was a treat.
But the huge fight scene in the final act turned out to be a lot less stellar than what you’d expect.
The movie is furthered held down by tropes and a feeble denouement; the main villain’s motivations for kicking everything into gear was too idealistic it failed to make it clear if there’s anything tangible enough to justify why and what the fuck happened.
Fortunately, Jordan’s talent and star power is huge enough to salvage this film. His portrayal is endearing–compelling at certain moments. It looks like a sequel is to be expected, so if he does come back, I’m hoping the script does his character (and its etymology) justice.
Also stars Jamie Bell, Jodie-Turner Smith, Luke Mitchell, Brett Gelman, Jack Kesy, Lauren London, Colman Domingo, Guy Pearce, Jacob Scipio, Cam Gigandet and Todd Lasance.
Directed by Stefano Sollima and written by Taylor Sheridan and Will Staples.
