American Renegades (2017) is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Quale. The movie combines military action with a heist plot, set against the backdrop of the Balkan region. The film stars J.K. Simmons, Sullivan Stapleton, and Charlie Bewley and features a group of Navy SEALs who uncover a conspiracy while attempting to execute a risky mission. Here’s a more in-depth look at the film’s plot, themes, and reception:

Plot:

The movie follows a group of Navy SEALs stationed in the Balkans who discover a hidden treasure at the bottom of a river. This treasure, which dates back to World War II, is believed to be part of a fortune hidden by Nazi forces before the end of the war. The SEALs, along with a local civilian who is involved in the treasure hunt, must navigate dangerous waters, both literally and figuratively, as they encounter a web of political intrigue, military corruption, and betrayal.

The plot becomes a high-stakes race as the team’s mission turns from a military operation to an action-packed heist, trying to secure the treasure while evading hostile forces who will stop at nothing to claim it for themselves. The military team’s mission quickly escalates into a battle for survival against not only local enemies but also those with much larger stakes in the treasure’s hidden secrets.

Characters:

• Jack (Sullivan Stapleton): A Navy SEAL and the protagonist of the film. His character is integral to the operation, as he leads the team in the pursuit of the treasure.
• Mace (J.K. Simmons): A veteran member of the team, whose wisdom and experience provide both comic relief and tactical support during the mission.
• Kline (Charlie Bewley): A supporting character who plays a key role in assisting the team with the treasure hunt.
• Nina (Dianna Agron): A civilian who is initially involved in helping the SEALs, adding a dynamic to the team as they confront their enemies.

Themes:

• Teamwork and Loyalty: Central to the story is the theme of teamwork, as the group of Navy SEALs must put their trust in each other to survive the increasingly dangerous mission. The bonds formed between the characters are tested as they face physical and moral challenges.
• Betrayal and Greed: As the treasure hunt intensifies, themes of betrayal and greed begin to surface. The characters are faced with decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong, and personal desires conflict with the greater good.
• Action and Thrills: The film relies heavily on action and thrill-filled sequences, with the characters facing constant danger as they move through hostile territories and confront enemies with both military and criminal motivations.

Tone:

The tone of American Renegades is fast-paced, tense, and filled with suspense. As a heist-action film, it combines military tactics and heist genre conventions, leading to intense moments of action, gunfights, and explosions. However, it also has lighter moments, particularly through the camaraderie between the SEALs and the interactions between characters like Mace and Jack, which add some levity to the otherwise high-stakes plot.

Reception:

American Renegades received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some praised the action sequences and the performances of the cast, others criticized the film for its predictable plot, lack of character development, and overall lack of depth. The movie’s reliance on standard action movie tropes and its somewhat derivative nature led to it being considered as a less memorable entry in the action-adventure genre.

Conclusion:

American Renegades (2017) is a straightforward, action-packed military heist film with a high-stakes treasure hunt at its core. While it may not have received widespread critical acclaim, it still offers fans of action and military thrillers an enjoyable watch. The performances, particularly from J.K. Simmons, help to elevate the film’s basic premise, providing a fun yet formulaic adventure for those seeking adrenaline-pumping sequences.