DANGEROUS

Dangerous (2021)

Dangerous (2021) is an action thriller directed by David Hackl that explores themes of redemption, violence, and family loyalty. The film stars Scott Eastwood as Dylan Forrester, a former assassin and sociopath who is struggling to live a quiet life while managing his violent impulses with the help of psychiatric treatment. Alongside Eastwood, the film features notable performances from Mel Gibson, Famke Janssen, Kevin Durand, and Tyrese Gibson. Released in 2021, Dangerous aims to blend intense action sequences with a psychological look at a man haunted by his past and desperate to protect what remains of his family.

The story revolves around Dylan Forrester, who is under the supervision of his eccentric psychiatrist, Dr. Alderwood (played by Mel Gibson), as he tries to control his dark urges through medication and therapy. Dylan is on parole, trying to stay out of trouble, but when he learns that his brother Sean has died under suspicious circumstances, he is forced to break his parole and return to Guardian Island, where Sean’s death has raised many questions. Determined to uncover the truth, Dylan quickly finds himself caught in a dangerous game involving armed mercenaries and hidden secrets that threaten to destroy him.

Upon arrival on the island, Dylan discovers that his brother was involved in a perilous situation with a group of mercenaries led by the ruthless Cole (Kevin Durand). The mercenaries are hunting for something Sean was protecting — a secret that could change everything. As Dylan navigates the treacherous landscape and evades hostile enemies, he must confront not only the external threats but also his internal struggles. His tactical skills and assassin training come to the forefront as he fights to survive and bring justice to his brother’s death.

The film explores Dylan’s complex character — a man trying to suppress his violent nature while being dragged back into a world of danger. His relationship with Dr. Alderwood adds depth to the narrative, providing insight into his psychological state and the challenges of trying to reform after a violent past. The tension between Dylan’s desire for redemption and the pull of his old life creates a compelling dynamic that drives much of the film’s emotional core.

Despite the promising premise and strong cast, Dangerous received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Many reviewers pointed out that the plot felt derivative and filled with clichés common to action thrillers. While the action scenes were praised for their choreography and intensity, the storytelling and character development were often seen as lacking. Critics felt that the film relied too heavily on familiar tropes without bringing fresh perspectives or surprising twists to the genre. Some reviews highlighted the missed opportunity to delve deeper into Dylan’s psychological struggles and instead focused mostly on surface-level thrills.

The film’s production values, including its setting on the isolated Guardian Island, contributed to an atmospheric backdrop that enhanced the suspense and urgency of Dylan’s mission. The supporting cast, including Famke Janssen and Tyrese Gibson, added further layers to the story, though their characters sometimes felt underdeveloped. Overall, the movie balances action and drama but does not fully realize its potential.

In conclusion, Dangerous (2021) is a standard action thriller that offers exciting sequences and a psychologically complex lead character but falls short of delivering a fully engaging or original story. Fans of action films with themes of redemption and family loyalty may find it enjoyable, but those seeking a more innovative or nuanced thriller might find it lacking. Despite its flaws, the film provides an intense ride for viewers who appreciate fast-paced action and the inner turmoil of a conflicted protagonist.