This movie tries to borrow cool elements from different action movies but has no idea how to execute. Nothing is believable or intriguing. Every single character is bland and unrelatable. The star of the show is clearly the female antagonist Ana Ortiz; seemingly the only person in the movie who knows how to act. There is nothing in this movie that works. The transitions between THEN and NOW are not fluid, rarely make sense, and after it happens a couple of times interest is lost the coherence of the movie is in shambles. I hope they don't waste any time making another one. You can tell Ben Milliken is a fan of Quentin Tarantino, he copies his style but doesn't know how to deliver.
7 Reviews
Then and Now and Then again and Now again and so on
echaczyk10 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie jumps back and forth through time way too much. Posting on the screen "Then" and "Now" is irritating and bad script writing. Let me remind you, this is NOT a time travel movie. If you can't tell a good story without jumping back and forth in time, , then or I mean now, you have a terrible movie. The movie should have been told in a more linear time frame, then it wouldn't have been a bad movie.
The movie concerns a trafficking mule who is made an assassin by a female drug lord. He falls in love with the drug lord's daughter which is a no-no. The drug lord sends a hit team after him but they accidentally shoot the daughter. Our man escapes but is hunted down by other assassins sent by the drug lord. Our man thinks the daughter is dead, but she is actually alive and the reason her protective drug lord mother wants the man dead.
A part two to this movie is implied but I bet it won't happen. This movie is convoluted with all the past and present experiences. And the writer is trying his best to emulate Tarantino but just doesn't have the directing chops. The characters are good but cardboard cutouts of various Tarantino characters. There's nothing that makes them distinct.
And the continuity is bad. For instance why does the main character's face have the same facial hair and length of hair two years before and now? The same for the clothing he wears.
Don't put in too much effort to watch this movie and accept it for what it is, a love story with some action thrown in.
The movie concerns a trafficking mule who is made an assassin by a female drug lord. He falls in love with the drug lord's daughter which is a no-no. The drug lord sends a hit team after him but they accidentally shoot the daughter. Our man escapes but is hunted down by other assassins sent by the drug lord. Our man thinks the daughter is dead, but she is actually alive and the reason her protective drug lord mother wants the man dead.
A part two to this movie is implied but I bet it won't happen. This movie is convoluted with all the past and present experiences. And the writer is trying his best to emulate Tarantino but just doesn't have the directing chops. The characters are good but cardboard cutouts of various Tarantino characters. There's nothing that makes them distinct.
And the continuity is bad. For instance why does the main character's face have the same facial hair and length of hair two years before and now? The same for the clothing he wears.
Don't put in too much effort to watch this movie and accept it for what it is, a love story with some action thrown in.
This is only part 1!
tveirs-2287317 August 2023
This is very obviously a Quentin Tarantino wannabe, and it is slightly entertaining as such. Lots of twists and turns with weird characters and weird conversations and weird locations, as well as the traditional Tarantino non-linear storytelling. The various actors and scenes in the movie are entertaining and quite violent at times, albeit with dark humor. The thing that is not made clear from the title, and it should be, is that this is only part one of longer story. If you go into this with that realization, then you may not be disappointed. If you are fan of Quentin Tarantino, you may like this movie, but lower your expectations.
Children Behave
nogodnomasters10 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The film has fonts and the stye of a 1970's grindhouse film. It takes place before the age of electronic phones and everyone rode around in a Grenada. It defines the word "Snag" as it relates to fishing. It is also our lead character (Ben Milliken) who is from Australia and not a Gringo as he keeps reminding folks. He is both lucky and cocky. He manages to escape being killed by Victoria (Ana Ortiz) a crime boss to going to marry her daughter Valentina (Sofía Castro) which gives Victoria massive conflicted feelings. Snag was a drug mule and now works as a bouncer at a small bar with his bride-to-be passed on.
The has flashbacks by using the word "THEN" before the clip and then "NOW" when it returns cleverly done as part of the background as sometimes in a photo. I like the Tiffany song which I expected to have been played as our couple rides off into the sunset. You can keep the anachronistic rap/hip-hop. A few scenes are too long, most are okay. The dialogue would use a line from a film as contemporary pop culture. I like that and I am certain many folks missed them.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
The has flashbacks by using the word "THEN" before the clip and then "NOW" when it returns cleverly done as part of the background as sometimes in a photo. I like the Tiffany song which I expected to have been played as our couple rides off into the sunset. You can keep the anachronistic rap/hip-hop. A few scenes are too long, most are okay. The dialogue would use a line from a film as contemporary pop culture. I like that and I am certain many folks missed them.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
Great Fight Scenes! Worth Watching!
Erin5026631 March 2024
I basically turned in to see Ben and David Z but the fight scenes are really worth watching if you're into that sort of thing which I am. I love how Hollywood makes everything look so real even though one knows it's absolutely hysterically impossible. If it had car chases I would have given it's an eight ;-) But that's all I really want from an action movie lots of fight scenes and action. The plot I would give a C+, the acting a definite B+, but the beautiful landscape of New Mexico,et al,... definitely an A+! I really hope there's a sequel! I'd actually pay to watch a sequel;-) If you like similar movies please give it a try I don't think you'll be disappointed.
A masterpiece
stubblefieldjonc6 November 2023
There are two groups of people the people who get it and those who don't. At first I thought " This is worst movie ever! But on a second viewing I realized it is HIGH ART .But that's the goal. It is a parody of all of the Action/Narco films from the
Early 90s until the mid of 2000s. In both the US and Mexico. If you get it, you will realize it's a comedy film. I had tears flowing down my face because this movie is a Master Piece.
Another way of Saying it is. If you were to steal the most overused clichés in; Kate del Castillo, Quentin Taratino and Mel Gibson movies. It's full of cameos of actors from the original films I can't say more about how fantastic. Watch it as a comedy and you'll get it.
Another way of Saying it is. If you were to steal the most overused clichés in; Kate del Castillo, Quentin Taratino and Mel Gibson movies. It's full of cameos of actors from the original films I can't say more about how fantastic. Watch it as a comedy and you'll get it.
Outback Amigos or Aussie Vaqueros versus Spagetti Westerns. We have a new genre movie here. Check it out!
frank-liesenborgs5 May 2023
Ben Milliken takes center stage in this high-octane action flick as Snag, a bouncer, a fighter, and drug smuggler working for a ruthless Mexican mob boss. Co-writing and directing the film in addition to playing the lead role, Milliken gives a solid performance, infusing Snag with a blend of Australian and Spanish killer traits that work well within the film's Mexican-Western hybrid genre. The story follows Snag as he fights against a criminal empire to reunite with his love interest, Valentina, who may not be entirely trustworthy. While the film draws from some stereotypical elements, it also manages to find its own path, paying tribute to classic Westerns along the way. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Snag's unrelenting determination to find his love, driving him to become an almost unstoppable force. The film's cast feels tailor-made for their respective roles, lending the story a natural and engaging feel. And with its thrilling action set pieces, shifting allegiances, and stunning locales, the film has all the makings of a great action movie. However, Milliken's numerous responsibilities as writer, director, and star do seem to limit the film's potential. Despite this, the movie still manages to deliver plenty of mindless, over-the-top violence and fun action scenes. Standout performances from Milliken as Snag, Sofia Castro as Valentina, Jonny Beauchamp as Javi, Ana Ortiz as Victoria, and a brief but memorable turn from David Zayas as Ramon all add to the film's appeal. While some viewers may have been put off by its initial reception, giving it another chance could prove worthwhile. Overall, I would rate it an 8/10. Sit back, relax, and indulge in some delicious popcorn while enjoying this entertaining movie.
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