Direct to DVD Dissection present a new entry in pro wrestler’s “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s movie catalog with the vigilante justice movie “Recoil”.
Released March 6th, 2012
The Story:
Former cop Ryan Varrett is on a mission to wipe out crime, as judge jury and executioner. He stops in the town of Hope, which is being sieged by a gang of bikers with their leader Drayke. Drayke and Ryan have a shared past, which causes Ryan to step in a deliver his own brand of justice.
The Cast:
Steve Austin as Ryan Varrett, a former cop turned vigilante, wandering the world doing battle with crime. Best known as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to pro wrestling fans, Austin has branched out to the world of movies, like other wrestlers before him and after. From appearing in the TV series “Nash Bridges” and in films like “The Longest Yard” and “The Expendables”, Austin has starred in various action movies, usually released on DVD.
Danny Trejo as Drayke, the leader of a motorcycle gang that terrorizes the small town of Hope. A reformed convict turned actor, Trejo has made his mark in Hollywood, appearing in various films over the years. A staple of Robert Rodriquez movies, he eventually became the lead actor in one, with 2010’s “Machete”.
Serinda Swan as Darcy, a clerk who meets Ryan as he enters into town and gives the lowdown on what has been going on. She’s appeared in the TV series “Breakout Kings” as Erica Reed and appeared in movies like “Tron: Legacy” and “Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief”.
Noel Gugliemi as Rex, one of Drayke’s men. An actor that more people know based on how he looks than his name, he has appeared in several movies over a 12 year period. From serious movies like “Training Day”, to comedies like “Bruce Almighty” (he’s the guy who has the monkey jump out his butt, literally), Noel has established himself as a noted character actor.
The Dissection:
With this movie, we are looking at a new entry in the revenge film category. Because of this, story isn’t a strong suit of this kind of movie. The plot of this movie could be an issue from a MARVEL Punisher series where he runs into an evil biker gang and gives everyone a lead enema.
Steve Austin as Ryan Varrett
Not to say the story we have isn’t interesting, but it has been seen before. In this movie, we have Steve Austin’s Ryan, a former cop who left the force because of his wife and children dying, and deciding to go gun toting vigilante on criminals, just like the Punisher, or other movies like the Death Wish series or The Boondock Saints. On the other side of the corner, there’s Danny Trejo, naturally playing the bad guy here as leader Drayke. Leading a motorcycle gang to install fear in this small middle of nowhere town and doing such evil things as punching a man tied to a heavy boxing bag. It’s a movie more like the old exploitation movies and action films of the 70’s & 80’s, similar to The Rock’s own movie “Faster”.
Still, the question really is “What does this movie offer to the viewer?”. While Austin won’t make any new fans here, his performance is a bit above his usual standard for his films. Also, while Danny Trejo may be considered typecast as a badass, he’s very good at it. Along with the supporting cast, including Serinda Swan as Darcy serving as both the face of the incident in Hope as well as kind of a catalyist for Ryan’s attack on the bikers and connection to his dead family. Finally, while the movie has a slow start, it picks up after the 5 minute mark and kick off the plot.
Ryan and Drayke doing battle.
As an action movie, the scenes with Austin kicking ass work well. The movie feels like it has a natural progression, building up each battle and fight scene until the final battle, or main event. Along with that, with the frequent flashbacks to Ryan’s tragic past, as well as how Trejo’s Drayke fits into all of it, it builds anticipation for a climax between the two. Leave it to a wrestler to be good at building a story via fighting.
Production-wise, the movie isn’t using different filters or camera tricks to replicate the grindhouse feel of movies. It does have the telltale signs of being a direct to DVD movie. However, this doesn’t hinder the movie, actually the opposite. It blends in with the feel of the movie. A bit too much use of the shakey cam mechanic during big scenes, though, as well as some issues in lighting, drag this film down a tad. But it’s still watchable and actually enjoyable.
Special features in the movie have a making of the movie, which should be watched after you view the movie, due to spoilers. Along with that, there are some deleted scenes and a trailer for the movie, along with some other action movies, like ” Tactical Force”, also featuring Austin.
The Verdict:
It’s not a pretty motion picture, but it gets the job done. It delivers some good action, some nice moments, and while it has been done before, it’s still interesting enough to use.
Overall, give this a watch.
Rent Recoil at Redbox:
http://www.redbox.com/movies/recoil
Buy Recoil at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Recoil-Stone-Cold-Steve-Austin/dp/B006JN8798
You can find Michael Coello on Twitter (@mcoello1) or on the FAN boards themselves, for any comments, concerns, recommendations, or anything that comes to mind.
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