Long Gone Heroes

What was the point of this movie? It's something that's been done hundreds of times and all much better. The directing and editing were terrible, and it took two writers to come up with every predictable cliche and a lackluster story that made the dragged poorly paced two hour runtime feel much longer. Most of the action scenes were poorly filmed and choreographed.

The casting was great, although some actors needed better cast direction, and Frank Grillo as usual carried this movie. He's an underrated actor who deserves bigger and better roles. And although casting Andy Garcia may be a draw to see this movie, his max 5 min screen time didn't add any value to the movie, and it felt like he just called his lines in. It's a generous 4/10 all going to Grillo and the decent cinematography and location sets.

Melissa Leo and Andy Garcia must have been doing a friends kid a favor. This wasn't terrible but certainly could have been better. A bit of a lazy, cliche script/plot, but not badly acted. A few other familiar faces that performed well with what they were given. The action is okay, at times as unbelievable as any other hero rescue film, but overall okay. I guess these kinds of movies need to exist, and people in the industry need work. Every film doesn't have to be Oscar worthy.

What drew me to the film was seeing well known actor Mekhi Phifer in a scene with the venerated Andy Garcia. It's safe to say that both their screen times were very inadequate as their character development was shown poorly. Frank Grillo as the main protagonist was decent in his role and undoubtedly took the reigns the entire way. The dialogue was slowly dragging in most scenes and the action took too long to develop even though it was okay, very poor directing on both regards. I'm quite glad I didn't buy it, I strongly suggest that the viewer rent it instead, they'll be the better for it. This could've been way better than what it is. I'm only giving it 3 stars because of three things; Frank Grillo, the excellent shots that were taken throughout the film, and the action.

If you see the name Frank Grillo in something, just go ahead and pass on by. Especially if they are trying, again, to make him the leading "actor". He brings absolutely nothing to anything he is in, except a reminder about those horrid hair-club commercials. And even then, you might think they aren't the best club to be in. You'd be right, it shows.

I'd like to know who is is related to, because I've not seen this many attempts at a leading man since Chris Pine was an actor...oh, he still is you say? I kid, kind of.

Cliches and tired tropes are what you are after? Acting that makes you know you could be a star? This is it.

So ridiculously formulaic. Special forces go in. Get into trouble. An unarmed fist fight which the hero wins. All ends well.

No wonder Americans think that their military is the best in the world.

Then there's the robotic script, wooden acting and the ending, the very definition implausibility.

Nonsense on film.