The Squad

Yikes. This. Is. Catastrophically Appalling.

No real introduction as such, just straight into boss babes being vacuous and boss babeing.

Let's ignore that they all seem to be ten years too old for spring break for a second. This movie is essentially one big music montage interrupted by several scenes of truly inept movie making, direction, acting, lighting, editing, etc.

I have given this a 2 rather than the one it deserves because making movies is difficult and the extra one point is credit for at least trying. Think of it as a participation medal for a fat kid who came in last in an egg and spoon race. Bingo, 'The Squad'. Avoid.

Three women go on spring break with plans to deal... who cares. I don't. You won't. No one does.

While it's touching that the director's mom posted five fake positive reviews, the truth is this "movie" isn't. The industry has minimum standards for a professional production and this attempt fails to clear the bar.

That problems start with story. Even being generous there wasn't enough actual plot for a half hour TV episode. It was so lacking they needed to pad it out with corte a música (quick cut musical montages) to reach a barely sellable length.

The acting... let's be honest, it wasn't. No one onscreen has training, ability, or natural talent. They should all go back to their day jobs and stay there.

If they had made a spring break comedy with the cast it might have worked. Everyone would focus on the attractiveness of the performers and not worry that what was coming out of their mouths was lacking an emotional connection to what was going onscreen. It might have gotten five stars. But they didn't make that. Three stars for pretty people in limited clothing. Three stars.

Of course I had never heard about the 2023 movie "The Squad" from writer and director Rick Walker, as I happened to stumble upon the movie by random chance here in 2024. However, I must admit that given the movie's synopsis and its cover, then I wasn't expecting this to be anything fantastic. Yet, I still opted to give the movie the benefit of the doubt and watch it.

"The Squad" is definitely not entertainment for the cerebral viewer. The storyline from Rick Walker is pretty straightforward, albeit rather generic for a crime thriller. Sure, it was semi-watchable, but you're not in for any grand cinematic experience here.

I was not familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie at all. And that is usually something I enjoy when I sit down to watch a movie. In all fairness, then against the fact that the actresses and actors had precious little to work with in terms of script and character gallery, then the acting performances were actually adequate.

Some of the dialogue in the movie was rather wooden and rigid, feeling like it was written by a High School student with an interest in movie making. It wasn't exactly Shakespearian poetry that transpired on the screen.

Be prepared to see a lot of skin throughout the course of the movie, though thankfully director Rick Walker didn't stoop to showing tacky nudity.

The cinematography was actually fair throughout the course of the 78 minutes that the movie ran for, and that definitely spoke well in favor of the movie, adding to the overall impression of "The Squad".

I was only mildly entertained by "The Squad", and it is not a movie that I would recommend you rush out and get to watch. This is definitely not a movie that I will be returning to watch a second time. But in all honesty, it does feel like writer and director Rick Walker had the right intentions and spirit for making a movie. The end result, just wasn't particularly spectacular.

My rating of "The Squad" lands on a generous four out of ten stars.

Rick Walker's "The Squad" is nothing short of a cinematic tour de force that leaves an indelible mark on the action genre. From adrenaline-pumping sequences to nuanced character development, this film stands out as a triumph in storytelling and direction.

One of the standout features of "The Squad" is its ability to balance intense action with a thoughtful exploration of the human experience. Walker brings a refreshing depth to the characters, giving them distinct personalities and backgrounds that resonate with the audience. The emotional journey of the squad members is as compelling as the high-octane missions they undertake, creating a captivating dynamic that keeps viewers invested throughout.

The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, seamlessly bringing Walker's characters to life. Their chemistry is palpable, and each actor contributes a unique charisma to the film. From moments of camaraderie to heart-wrenching decisions, the authenticity of the performances adds a layer of realism that distinguishes "The Squad" from typical action fare.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Walker's keen eye for cinematography captures the breathtaking landscapes and intense action sequences with precision. The use of practical effects and expertly choreographed stunts enhances the authenticity of the film, making it a visual spectacle that demands to be seen on the big screen.

Three young and beautiful drug 'brokers' try their hand at making a fortune during a spring break week. Only trouble is, well, everything. The local dealers want in, the US cartel wants them out, and their home base support system has been compromised.

Things get unpleasant fast as the double crosses and bodies begin to pile. What started as a fun and sexy movie devolves quickly into a standard gritty crime drama.

The Squad suffers from trying to be two movies at once. The sound, the cinematography, the editing, the sets, the costuming, the casting... all would be perfect for a spring break adventure movie OR a violent drug cartel thriller, but not both.

Enjoy what you can from this mixed bag of sweet and salty tidbits.