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Dangerous (2021), directed by David Hackl, is an action thriller that tries to balance gritty violence with psychological depth but stumbles in execution. Scott Eastwood stars as Dylan “Deke” Forrester, a sociopathic ex-Navy SEAL who breaks parole to investigate his brother’s mysterious death on a remote island. Joined by a cast including Mel Gibson, Kevin Durand, Famke Janssen, and Tyrese Gibson, the film delivers a mix of shootouts, betrayals, and family drama, but it struggles to stand out in a crowded genre.

Strengths:

• Action Sequences: The film’s high-energy gunfights and hand-to-hand combat are competently staged, offering enough adrenaline to keep action fans engaged. Eastwood’s physicality as a trained killer is convincing, channeling a cold, calculated intensity.
• Cast Presence: Eastwood carries the lead role with brooding charisma, while Durand’s menacing mercenary and Gibson’s brief but sharp performance as a sheriff add some gravitas. Janssen, though underused, brings a touch of class.
• Psychological Angle: Deke’s sociopathy and therapy sessions (via flashbacks) aim to add depth, exploring his struggle to feel human. This sets the film apart from generic action flicks, even if it’s not fully explored.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable Plot: The story follows a familiar template—grieving hero, shadowy conspiracy, double-crosses—that feels recycled from better films like Rambo or Taken. The island setting and villain motivations are underdeveloped, making the stakes feel generic.
• Uneven Pacing: At 99 minutes, the film drags in parts, particularly in expository dialogue scenes that slow the momentum. The psychological elements, while intriguing, are introduced clumsily and don’t blend well with the action.
• Wasted Potential: The supporting cast, especially Gibson and Janssen, is underutilized, with their roles feeling more like cameos. The script doesn’t give them enough to work with, and some subplots (like Deke’s family dynamics) feel rushed or unresolved.
• Clichéd Dialogue: Lines like “I’m not a hero, I’m a survivor” or “This ends now” litter the script, undermining the film’s attempt at emotional weight.

Reception:

• Critics: Dangerous earned mixed reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score hovering around 30% (based on limited reviews). Critics praised the action and Eastwood’s performance but found the plot derivative and the character development shallow. For example, a review from The Hollywood Reporter called it “a serviceable B-movie that doesn’t quite deliver on its ambitious ideas.”
• Audience: Fans of straightforward action films gave it moderate praise, appreciating the shootouts and Eastwood’s stoic hero, but many noted it’s forgettable compared to genre heavyweights. IMDb rates it around 5.2/10.

Overall:

Dangerous is a watchable but flawed action thriller. It’s best for viewers who enjoy lean, no-frills shoot-’em-ups and can overlook a formulaic story. Eastwood’s committed performance and a few standout action scenes make it a decent one-time watch, but it lacks the depth or polish to be memorable. If you’re a fan of the cast or crave a quick action fix, it’s worth a stream on platforms like Hulu or Amazon Prime (check availability). However, don’t expect a genre game-changer.