Mikes Film Talk

Wanted Man: Dolph Lundgren stars, writes and directs in this look at cops both sides of the border. Mexico is the place, apparently, where one is sent to Coventry. (A fall from grace leads to his character being sent south of the border as punishment.)

There were three writers in total for this somewhat shallow effort. Michael Worth and Hank Hugues can share the blame for this one.

The Story

Travis Johansen (Lundgren) spouts some politically damaging rhetoric on a live broadcast. His punishment is being sent to collect a witness, one Rosa Barranco (Christina Villa) who is unwilling to testify in a major case. Along the way, an old colleague or two turn up. Brynner (Kelsey Grammer) and Tinelli (Michael Paré) as well as Hilts (Aaron McPherson).

Things turn sour south of the border.

Much ado about Nothing

This slow look at corruption on both sides of the border does nothing really different from other stories. I personally like Dolph Lundgren. His standard performances for all his roles tend to be the same, but he does deliver. Dolph is one year old than I am and believe me I look nothing like this towering actor. In terms of presence on-screen? This man has it in spades. He dwarfs everyone else in any scene he appears in.

This is a given.

The only actor who does not seem diminished in any scene with Dolph is another personal favorite, Roger Cross (Dark Matter, Coroner). Cross, like his co-star, also commands almost any scene he is in. This probably explains his relegation to what amounts as a cameo role.

Grammer and Pare both hold up as the outsiders and McPherson manages to look shifty from frame one.

Villa gives a solid performance as the reluctant witness.

Robbing Peter Once too often

While filmmakers clearly feel that Mexico is a prime target for baddies and Cartel influence, Lundgren could have shifted the focus of the film. Just a small step to the left? American movie makers seem determined to make things south of the border scary. This storyline is all too similar in terms of “the” Mexican experience.

According to Hollywood, the land below the border is full of corruption and crooked cops who infiltrate the US and our cops.

Yawn.

It’s a wrap

Overall, Wanted Man is an “okay” film. Nothing to write home about here. If you are a Dolph Lundgren fan, like I am, you will enjoy watching the so-so action thriller. It is, sadly, a 3 star film that could have been so much better.

You can watch it on Hulu or rent it from Amazon Prime. Have a look at the trailer: