Dangerous doesn’t make the day as an action flick

Scott Eastwood attempts to become the leading man and action hero with Lionsgate Dangerous, from director David Hackl. Ex-con and reformed sociopath Dylan Forrester (Scott Eastwood) is trying to quietly serve out his parole — with the help of a steady supply of antidepressants and his eccentric psychiatrist (Mel Gibson). 

However, when his brother dies under mysterious circumstances, Dylan breaks parole to head to the funeral.  Naturally, there is a dogged FBI Agent Shaughnessy (Famke Janssen) on his trail. She wants to uncover the truth, as Dylan has always followed the rules regarding his parole. When Dylan arrives, there is a rocky relationship with his family due to issues from the past. However, when a band of heavily armed mercenaries, led by Cole (Kevin Durand), shows up looking for answers to a secret that Dylan’s brother was hiding, Dylan will need all his guile and tactical skills to survive.

I try to go into every film with an open mind, so I was willing to give Dangerous a chance, even with a mediocre trailer. Now do not get me wrong, the plot template of a man obtaining redemption through violence is as standard as sliced bread. However, Christopher Borelli’s script is so dull that he fails to embrace the fun he could have had with the plot. Scott Eastwood does have a screen presence, but in the few scenes when he can display his action skills, they come off as forced.

As for the supporting cast, they are all bottom of the barrel. Mel Gibson and Famke Janssen’s acting both screams of paycheck performances, and they both look bored. Furthermore, Kevin Durand is on autopilot for the film as he portrays characters from his previous filmography. Even worse is R&B singer Tyrese Gibson, who is featured on the poster, is actually only in the film for maybe seven minutes.

David Hackl’s direction leaves little to be desired as well. While I did enjoy his entry in the Saw franchise, he is also responsible for stinkers like Daughter of the Wolf, Life on the Line, and Into the Grizzly Maze. Everything from the pacing to the shot choices comes off as amateurish. Scott Eastwood is an actor that I have been hoping would break out for a long time. He recently appeared in the enjoyable Wrath of Man and The Outpost. Sadly, Dangerous will do nothing to help Eastwood escape his father’s shadows.

Final Grade: D-

Dangerous opens in theaters on November 5, 2021. In addition, the film is available ON Demand on the same day.