6 Bullets (Review)
United States/2012
Format Viewed For Review: Netflix Instant
Netflix Streaming: Yes
Amazon Prime: No
"...at the very least, 6 Bullets passes as a good action film, especially if you're
a fan of Van Damme."
When
their daughter is abducted in abroad, Andrew (Joe Flanigan) and
Monica Fayden (Anna-Louise Plowman) hire mercenary Samson Gaul
(Jean-Claude Van Damme) to find her...
6 Bullets is a fairly
straightforward action film. The story focuses on Andrew, Monica, and
Gaul as they search for the abducted child. Gaul is initially reluctant
to aid in the search due to being haunted by the previous lives he
failed to save. However, in order to redeem himself, Gaul returns in
full force and wrecks havoc among the human trafficking
underworld. There are some unintentionally comical scenes and some
predictable plot points, but it's generally a decent story. The climax
was action-packed and the ending was good.
I enjoyed 6 Bullets.
It's far from perfect, but it's an enjoyable action film. The story
deals with human trafficking, specifically the kidnapping of children,
so it does get bleak at times. It balances some of its darker moments
with some strong action scenes, though. Although he's not in his
top-form, Van Damme is still nimble enough for some fluid and violent
action scenes. There are also plenty of explosions and gunfights.
Despite the interesting story, it does suffer from clichés and plot
contrivances. There are a few moments where I actually chuckled from the
unintentional humor. There is, not one, but two scenes where Andrew
mistakes his daughter for someone else. Also, Andrew has never used a
gun before, but he somehow manages to use a gun like a pro a few scenes
later. Really? These sort of scenes break up the flow and immersion of
the film. It's also a little on the lengthy side for what we get.
Some
of the acting also hinders the experience. Jean-Claude Van Damme plays
Jean-Claude Van Damme, hate it or love it. Personally, although he can
be wooden at times, I like Van Damme. Joe Flanigan is okay. Anna-Louise
Plowman nails it at times, but she also fumbles a bit. Most of the bad
acting comes from the supporting cast, and, unfortunately, they stick
out like a sore thumb. Otherwise, I'd say the film is technically
standard. It's shot well enough and the music is good for the tone of
the film. Director Ernie Barbarash crafts some great action scenes and
the story is decent. The direction isn't perfect, but it's not terrible,
either. I'd watch more from Barbarash.
Overall, 6 Bullets is a
good action film. Although predictable and contrived, the story kept my
interest. It is a bit longwinded, but it offers some great action scenes
and some surprisingly dark moments. Some of the mediocre acting and
sloppy writing stop the film from reaching its dramatic potential,
though. It could obviously be more emotionally effective, but, at the
very least, 6 Bullets passes as a good action film, especially if you're
a fan of Van Damme.
Score: 6/10
Parental Guide: Strong violence and blood.
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