Director Johnny Martin adds another low-rent actioner to his filmography in “Off The Grid,” from Lionsgate. James Agnew pens the film’s screenplay, which stars Josh Duhamel and Academy Award Nominee Greg Kinnear.
Guy (Duhamel) is a brilliant scientist who decides to go “off the grid” to safeguard humanity after a morally bankrupt company led by Ranish (Kinnear) tries to weaponize his revolutionary technology. While hiding, he makes friends with brainy teen Chase (Michael Zapesotsky) and catches the eye of local waitress Josey (María Elisa Camargo).
Guy’s moment of tranquility is swiftly shattered when Ranish dispatches a strike force led by the formidable Belcor, portrayed by Peter Stormare, to hunt him down. In a grave miscalculation, they unwittingly transform the man they seek into a weapon of unimaginable potential. With unparalleled intellect and sheer physical prowess, Guy elevates guerrilla warfare to a lethal art form, turning his surroundings into a deadly battleground.
I have always been a fan of Josh Duhamel, and he is genuinely one of the actors I want to see succeed. While he captured the attention of many women with his role in “All My Children,” his performance in “Las Vegas” showcased his combination of action-star bravado and leading-man charm. So it pains me to give his latest film a bad review, particularly after he pivoted to solid drama in “Ransom Canyon” this past spring.
Duhamel’s performance feels out of place because it is inconsistent with the film’s general atmosphere. During their conversations with Chase, he tries to display his intelligence, yet his dialogue remains stiff and lacks authenticity. The actors exhibit evident chemistry, but the script fails to explore their relationship, resulting in a shallow portrayal of their connection.
Greg Kinnear delivers a lackluster performance as the main villain because he prioritizes his paycheck over genuine character engagement. Peter Stormare, who typically brings charisma to his performances, appears disengaged because the script limits his ability to deliver memorable, fun, and menacing traits.
The film’s action sequences fail to impress because I’ve seen much better gunfights and hand-to-hand combat in TV shows, making this film’s attempts appear uninspired and unimpressive. The direction and script feel cheap, almost like a tax write-off project or a film school thesis, and they don’t come together effectively. This movie is particularly disappointing given that the elements are in place for a fast-paced throwback reminiscent of the glory days of Cannon films.
While “Off The Grid” is a weak notch in Duhmael’s filmography, hopefully, the actor will bounce back with the next one.
Final Grade: D+
“Off The Gris is In Theaters and On Demand and Digital on June 27, 2025.
