Dangerous (2021)
Genre: Action / Thriller / Crime
Directed by: David Hackl
Starring: Scott Eastwood, Tyrese Gibson, Famke Janssen, Kevin Durand, Mel Gibson
Dangerous is a gritty action-thriller that attempts to blend psychological drama with high-stakes shootouts, anchored by Scott Eastwood in a brooding lead role. Directed by David Hackl, the film follows Dylan “D” Forrester, a parolee and former military operative battling antisocial personality disorder, who embarks on a perilous journey to attend his brother’s funeral on a remote island.
Dylan’s quest for closure quickly spirals into chaos when the island is besieged by mercenaries led by the menacing Cole (Kevin Durand). As the siege unfolds, Dylan must confront both external threats and his internal demons, with sporadic guidance from his eccentric psychiatrist, Dr. Alderwood (Mel Gibson), and under the watchful eye of determined FBI Agent Shaughnessy (Famke Janssen).
The film’s premise holds promise, intertwining themes of redemption and mental health within an action-packed narrative. However, critics have noted that the execution falls short, citing a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. The action sequences, while frequent, often lack coherence and fail to elevate the tension. Eastwood delivers a stoic performance, but the script offers limited depth to his character, making it challenging for audiences to fully engage with his journey.
Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Dr. Alderwood injects moments of dark humor and unpredictability, providing a brief respite from the film’s otherwise somber tone. Yet, these moments are fleeting and insufficient to compensate for the film’s broader shortcomings.
Despite its flaws, Dangerous found a modest audience on streaming platforms, climbing into trending categories in several regions. Nevertheless, it received predominantly negative reviews from critics, with particular criticism directed at its narrative structure and character development.
In summary, Dangerous aspires to offer a complex, character-driven action experience but ultimately delivers a formulaic and disjointed film that struggles to leave a lasting impression.
