Tuesday, September 11, 2018

FALCON RISING (2014) *** ½


Michael Jai White stars as a suicidal former soldier with PTSD and a drinking problem.  When we first see him, he’s playing Russian Roulette with himself.  Pissed that he lost the game, he heads down to the liquor store where the clerk asks him how he is.  White replies, “Same shit.  Different pile.”  Naturally, thieves enter the building brandishing guns, and he foils the robbery; paying for his booze with one of the thief’s money.

This is a strong opening.  So strong that I wondered if the movie was going to shoot its wad early.  One of the joys of Falcon Rising is the tireless way it strives to be just a bit better around every corner than your average DTV action flick.  Director Ernie Barbarash (who’s directed some of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s best recent stuff) keeps things moving at a steady clip and is smart enough to let White carry the fight scenes with his natural athleticism and considerable screen presence. 

The plot revolves around White’s sister (Laila Ali) being brutally assaulted while doing relief work in a favela in Rio.  He goes to visit her in the hospital and there is another attempt on her life soon after.  White then sets out to take the favela apart to find the killer.

One thing that helps set Falcon Rising apart from its contemporaries is its attention to detail.  The supporting characters are incredibly well-rounded and given ample screen time to make a lasting impression.  There’s a young rookie cop named Katarina (Minnie Ruperto) who hands out sodas to the neighborhood on a hot day in an effort to bond with the residents.  Thiago (Jimmy Navarro), the veteran detective scoffs at her attempts to earn the neighborhood’s trust, but even he isn’t above giving a child prostitute money, so her pimp won’t beat her.  This kind of attention to character and their motivations is almost like a novel in its presentation, and it never comes at the expense of White’s journey.  It just adds to the overall richness of the piece.

Let’s face it, you’re not watching Falcon Rising for its rich characters.  You’re watching it to see Michael Jai White kick some ass, and on that score; it’s a resounding success as well.  I particularly loved the fact that White continues to act during his fights.  Sometimes, he beats someone up while carrying an annoyed look on his face, and other times he looks like he’s saying, “Man, this is too easy” while cracking the skulls of inexperienced punks.  Who needs one-liners and wisecracks when his expressive face tells you all you need to know?  (Although he does get plenty of one-liners along the way.)

The fights have a very ‘90s feel to them, and I mean that in the best possible way.  Barbarash films them clearly, edits them coherently, and allows you to see the awesomeness that is Michael Jai White on full display.  White does a number of impressive physical feats during the fight sequences.  My favorite moment was when he jump-kicked one guy while shooting another who’s rushing at him from the exact opposite direction.  The man just knows how to multitask.  The three-on-one finale is also a lot of fun.  (Spoiler:  The three guys are outnumbered.)

Even the action that doesn’t involve White is memorable, like the standoff between Thiago’s men and some street thugs.  He decides to settle the Mexican standoff with a fight between their best fighters.  If the thugs win, they take their drugs and guns and they won’t go to jail.  If the cops win, the gang members won’t resist arrest.  I eat this macho stuff up.

If there is a flaw, it’s that veteran character actor Neal McDonough is somewhat wasted as White’s old army buddy.  He’s a government worker in Brazil who pretty much allows White to roam free in order to exact his revenge.  At least he figures into the set-up for the sequel at the end.  I for one hope White and McDonough return as soon as possible as Falcon Rising is one of the best DTV action flicks I’ve seen in some time.

AKA:  Favela.

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