High-Octane Thrills Meet Narrative Misses

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Jade
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Genre: Action, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): James Bamford
Writer(s): James Bamford, Lynn Colliar, Glenn Ennis
Cast: Shaina West, Mickey Rourke, Katherine McNamara, Mark Dacascos, Marcus Aurelio, Marcus Vincios Maciel
Where To Watch: released on digital June 24, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: JADE zips through the screen with an explosive mix of well-rounded action and its fair share of narrative bumps. Under the directorial guidance of James Bamford, a stunt coordinator turned director, the movie tells the tale of Shaina West's Jade, a character whose complex backstory is as tangled as the action sequences are sharp. From the grim streets of London to the dusty roads of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jade's life is a whirlwind of tragedy and transformation, leading her to vow never to touch a gun again. This central promise drives her character's development as she tries to create a peaceful existence far from her past's shadows.

The story starts with Jade settling into the life of a mechanic when a cryptic hard drive sends her spiraling back into the dangers she thought she'd escaped. The film's antagonist, the menacing Tork, played by the consistently over-the-top Mickey Rourke, embodies ruthlessness, setting the stage for a showdown that tests Jade's resolve. The script attempts to marry dark humor with stark, graphic action, occasionally veering into the realm of the absurd with some unintentionally lighter moments that puncture the tense atmosphere.

While JADE delights with its choreographic flair, showcasing West's formidable stunt skills, the film's screenplay struggles to keep pace. Character development, especially that of Tork, feels constrained as if the narrative's potential is reined in by its ambitious visual storytelling. Dialogue sometimes seems misplaced, and some thematic elements falter, making the plot feel less compelling than the high-energy fight scenes suggest.

JADE's production values shine amid the kinetic chaos of fight scenes that blur the lines between clarity and disarray. The gritty aesthetic of the cinematography encapsulates the film’s thematic darkness, although it occasionally overwhelms the viewer with its frenetic pace.

Despite these pitfalls, JADE is still an intriguing study of the revenge thriller genre. It demonstrates the director's capacity to steer complex action sequences while hinting at potential growth in narrative finesse. The film's grounding in a realistic aesthetic helps tether the more extravagant action sequences, providing a rough yet solid backdrop against which the drama unfolds.

For those captivated by well-done action pieces, JADE offers a mix of excitement and mild disappointment. It might only partially satisfy those searching for a deeply woven story, but it marks a unique director debut and a strong showing for West. It will be interesting to see where both futures take them; West has a bright future.

In essence, JADE is a film of dualities: thrilling yet uneven, promising yet undercooked. It showcases Bamford's transition from choreography to full-scale direction and sets the stage for possible future successes. With its central theme of redemption and a protagonist battling external threats and internal demons, the movie lays the groundwork for an evolving cinematic style from Bamford, hoping to balance the scale between action-packed sequences and compelling storytelling.

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[photo courtesy of 101 FILMS]

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