With the controversy surrounding this film, I was hesitant to watch it. Jim Caviezel and Tim Ballard's constant talks of their right-wing politics during interviews certaintly didn't help either. Needless to say, I shouldn't have been hesitant, because despite being left-leaning, I loved this movie.
The film aims to show just how repugnant, insidious, horrifying, and heartbreaking child trafficking is and it shows just how taxing it is from every pov. It doesn't feel the need to be gratuitous and show the horrible things happening to the children onscreen, the effect it has on the children, Tim, Vampiro, and every other character says it all. The action is fairly reserved and only really comes into play during the third act. I'm surprised this was classified as an action movie, it's more of a drama than anything. Definitely a thriller though.
Despite me not liking his political ramblings irl, Jim Caviezel definitely gives a great performance in this film as Tim Ballard. He walks the fine line of being a stoicBadassGuile Hero and a man burdened by the job he's tasked with but still strives to do the right thing and complete the mission to save Rocío. But my favorite performance in the film is Bill Camp as Vampiro. He gives the film some much needed levity and comic relief, but also shows his layers during the very somber scene where he explains his backstory and why he did such a Heel–Face Turn. It's probably my favorite moment in the movie due to how much of a Tear Jerker it is.
It's paced fairly well and has a fairly good if a tad generic thriller undercover story. But again the point of the film is to show the effects of child-trafficking so a groundbreaking story isn't really needed.
Overall, I liked the film and thought it was well made, regardless of the differences between me and creators' political beliefs. Because at the end of the day, I'll always judge a movie for it's own merits, not what side of the political spectrum it or its creator(s) falls under.
Film A Basic Message Delivered With A Powerful And Well Done Execution
With the controversy surrounding this film, I was hesitant to watch it. Jim Caviezel and Tim Ballard's constant talks of their right-wing politics during interviews certaintly didn't help either. Needless to say, I shouldn't have been hesitant, because despite being left-leaning, I loved this movie.
The film aims to show just how repugnant, insidious, horrifying, and heartbreaking child trafficking is and it shows just how taxing it is from every pov. It doesn't feel the need to be gratuitous and show the horrible things happening to the children onscreen, the effect it has on the children, Tim, Vampiro, and every other character says it all. The action is fairly reserved and only really comes into play during the third act. I'm surprised this was classified as an action movie, it's more of a drama than anything. Definitely a thriller though.
Despite me not liking his political ramblings irl, Jim Caviezel definitely gives a great performance in this film as Tim Ballard. He walks the fine line of being a stoic Badass Guile Hero and a man burdened by the job he's tasked with but still strives to do the right thing and complete the mission to save Rocío. But my favorite performance in the film is Bill Camp as Vampiro. He gives the film some much needed levity and comic relief, but also shows his layers during the very somber scene where he explains his backstory and why he did such a Heel–Face Turn. It's probably my favorite moment in the movie due to how much of a Tear Jerker it is.
It's paced fairly well and has a fairly good if a tad generic thriller undercover story. But again the point of the film is to show the effects of child-trafficking so a groundbreaking story isn't really needed.
Overall, I liked the film and thought it was well made, regardless of the differences between me and creators' political beliefs. Because at the end of the day, I'll always judge a movie for it's own merits, not what side of the political spectrum it or its creator(s) falls under.