MOVIE REVIEW
The Bouncer
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Genre: Action
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 18m
Director(s): Massimiliano Cerchi
Writer(s): Massimiliano Cerchi, Adrian Milnes
Cast: Costas Mandylor, John Ozuna, Rosmary Yaneva, Nicholas Turturro, Gerald Okamura, Vincent Rivera, Simon Phillips, Iulia Alexandra Neacsu
Where To Watch: available now on Prime Video www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the shadowy corners of Romania's criminal underworld, THE BOUNCER introduces us to Frank (John Ozuna,) an American with a troubled past who navigates life’s hard knocks in his new role at a seedy nightclub. This gritty action thriller by director Massimiliano Cerchi and co-written by Adrian Milnes gradually cranks up the tension, transforming from a simmering drama into an explosive confrontation. As Frank confronts Kane (Costas Mandylor,) the ruthless mob boss and trafficker, we're drawn into a narrative that's less about the flying bullets and more a deep dive into a man's quest for redemption amidst the chaos.

THE BOUNCER explores Frank's precarious balance between moral decisions and survival, showcasing Ozuna’s prowess in action-packed scenes that test his physical and emotional range. While Ozuna's fight scenes are a spectacle of well-choreographed action, his portrayal occasionally misses a beat on delivering the emotional impact needed to connect with the audience entirely. Contrastingly, Mandylor’s portrayal of Kane offers a compelling look at villainy, weaving a character so dark yet fascinating that you can’t help but be riveted every time he appears on screen. The dynamic between Frank and Kane crackles with intensity, yet the script shies away from unleashing the full potential of their tumultuous rivalry.

THE BOUNCER sometimes pushes the narrative with long stretches of dialogue that might test viewers' patience and itching for more relentless action. The film aims to craft a brooding atmosphere reflective of its dark themes, but this sometimes results in gaps where the dialogue feels disjointed from the actions on screen.

Amidst the film's harsh landscapes, Rosmary Yaneva shines as Silvia, offering a ray of hope and humanity. Her evolving relationship with Frank is layered with trust and mutual reliance, becoming one of the narrative’s pillars and enriching the story with its emotional depth.

While the movie excels in crafting intense action scenes that showcase Ozuna’s martial arts skills, these high-octane moments are fleeting and seem sandwiched between slower scenes that dial down the film’s overall momentum. Despite this, the action sequences stand out for their crisp execution and testify to the choreographic finesse on display.

Ultimately, THE BOUNCER is a tale of two halves: one a character-driven drama exploring deep-seated themes of redemption and morality, and the other a kinetic thriller that delivers raw, pulse-pounding action. While it provides performances that hit their mark, particularly Mandylor’s villain, the film doesn’t keep a consistent pace, wavering between intense action and slower dramatic moments.

For enthusiasts of indie action films who can appreciate a narrative woven with complexity and capable combat scenes, THE BOUNCER is a worthy watch. The film reminds us of the challenges of balancing gripping storytelling with dynamic action—a delicate balance that's not always achieved.

THE BOUNCER offers a glimpse into what could have been an even more gripping exploration of a man’s fight against his inner demons and external adversaries. It underscores the potential for indie films to punch above their weight in the action genre, even as it leaves us yearning for more consistency in its delivery.

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[photo courtesy of K.O. ACTION FILMS, BD FILMS, VISION FILMS]

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