An ex-Marine grapples his way through a web of small-town corruption when an attempt to post bail for his cousin escalates into a violent standoff with the local police chief.
Alright, movie buffs, buckle up because today, we’re diving deep into “Rebel Ridge.” A movie that’s less of a high-speed chase and more like a leisurely Sunday drive through a neighborhood you’ve never wanted to visit. It’s got all the makings of something that could be great – if only it didn’t spend the first half of its runtime navel-gazing like an introspective ex-Marine pondering his next bar fight. But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s talk about the stars of this show: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, and AnnaSophia Robb. If you’ve ever wanted to see Don Johnson channel his inner corrupt cop, well, folks, Christmas just came early.
So here’s the setup: Aaron Pierre plays an ex-Marine who decides that bailing his cousin out of jail is the next logical step in his character arc. But, like all good plans that start with, “Hey, let’s just post bail and get out of here,” things go sideways fast. We’re talking small-town corruption, police brutality, and a police chief who looks like he’s auditioning for the role of Satan’s right-hand man. Spoiler alert: that’s Don Johnson, and he is deliciously evil. You almost want to root for the guy – he’s got that charming menace down to a science, like a Southern-fried Hannibal Lecter without the culinary arts degree.
And let’s be honest, any movie where Don Johnson shows up as the bad guy has already earned a few extra points in my book. This is the guy who managed to make pastels look tough in the '80s, so when he snarls at the camera, you know he means business. Johnson’s performance is one of those things that has the potential to kickstart a franchise – the kind where sequels are titled “Rebel Ridge: This Time It’s Personal,” followed by “Rebel Ridge: Electric Boogaloo.” You get the idea.
The Good, the Bad, and the Southern Drawl:
Now, let’s talk about the movie’s pace. If the film were a meal, the first half would be cold porridge served with a side of burnt toast. You’re left tapping your foot, glancing at your watch, and considering all the other things you could be doing – like watching paint dry or re-arranging your sock drawer. But hang in there, my friends, because once the kettle finally boils, the action kicks up like a southern preacher on a caffeine high.
The back half of the film feels like it’s channeling its inner Jack Reacher or Walking Tall. You know, the kind where a lone wolf storms into town to teach everyone a lesson about justice – with his fists. There’s a little bit of First Blood in there, too, minus the headband and the emotional weight. And speaking of emotion, that’s one area where “Rebel Ridge” could’ve used a little more... well, something. Our hero goes from a man desperate to see his cousin to a revenge-seeking machine with all the emotional depth of a soggy pancake. When the cousin bites it in prison, there’s no grieving, no reflection – just a brisk pivot to vengeance like he’s checking off items on a grocery list: Eggs? Check. Bread? Check. Justice? Double check.
The Plot Holes and the Great What-Ifs:
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the actor who left the room. John Boyega was originally set to star in this gritty tale but decided to exit stage left midway through production in 2021. And boy, did that throw a wrench in the works. They had to halt filming, find a new lead (enter Aaron Pierre), and reshoot half the movie. Which probably explains why some scenes feel like they were stitched together with duct tape and good intentions. It’s like when your favorite TV show swaps out a main character and hopes you won’t notice – except you do. Every. Single. Time.
To its credit, “Rebel Ridge” does manage to salvage something from this chaotic reshuffling. Pierre steps in and delivers a performance that’s... well, adequate. He’s got the physicality down, but there are moments when you wonder if he’s more bored than brooding. Maybe he’s just tired from all the reshoots. Who knows?
A Few Rant-Worthy Disappointments:
Here’s the thing, folks: for a movie that bills itself as an action-packed thriller, “Rebel Ridge” sure takes its sweet time getting to the action. By the time fists start flying, you’re already halfway through your popcorn and considering a bathroom break. And then, just when it feels like the plot is finally going somewhere – BAM! It fizzles out with an ending so unsatisfying it’s like they ran out of film and just decided to call it a day. Imagine ordering a cheeseburger, and the waiter brings you a single slice of cheese on an empty plate. “You'll understand when you watch it,” they say. Well, thanks, but no thanks.
The Good Stuff (What Little There Is):
But let’s not be too harsh. There’s some good action near the end, which will have you gripping the armrests and maybe even forgiving the slow boil that is the first half. The film sets up a few nice moments that give you a taste of what could have been if the pace had been a little snappier and the plot holes a little less gaping.
And, with the right direction (read: fewer reshoots), this could mark the start of a new franchise. It’s got that gritty, small-town, one-man-against-the-world vibe that worked wonders for movies like Walking Tall or the newer Jack Reacher series. Maybe next time, they can keep their lead actor in place long enough to finish the film.
Final Thoughts:
“Rebel Ridge” is like that guy at a party who promises he has a great story to tell but spends the first hour giving you unnecessary backstory before finally getting to the point. By the time he does, you’ve already lost interest and moved on to the guacamole.
So, would I recommend it? Sure, if you’ve got a couple of hours to kill and a soft spot for Don Johnson playing a charming devil. But don’t expect too much depth or satisfaction. The film has a few high points, but it’s like a rollercoaster that only goes uphill – a lot of effort for very little payoff.
My Ranking: 6.8/10.
It's worth a watch, but maybe wait until you have watched everything else on Netflix. You’ll want that fast-forward button handy.
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