Action Thriller Delivers Unexpected Thrills

Read Time:3 Minute, 58 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Sabotage (Collector's Edition)
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Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1996, 2024 MVD Rewind Collection
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Tibor Takács
Writer(s): Rick Filon, Michael Stokes
Cast: Mark Dacascos, Carrie-Anne Moss, Tony Todd, Graham Greene, John Neville, Sarah Rosen Fruitman, Phil Chiu, Heidi von Palleske, Richard Coulter
Where To Watch: available May 7, 2024; order your copy here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: SABOTAGE starts with a bang and doesn't let up from there, threading a riveting journey of survival and mystery that captivates until the final scene. Under the direction of Tibor Takács, the film demonstrates that genuine suspense doesn't hinge on a colossal budget but on a solid storyline and capable direction. To be entirely transparent, this is a B movie, but boy, was it “fun”!

From the war-torn streets of Bosnia, SABOTAGE crafts its narrative across a harsh and dangerous world that simultaneously offers variety and stunning locales. Each location becomes an integral component of the story, enhancing the tension and drama of the plot. Under Takács's direction, the film is a testament to how the pieces of a puzzle all fit together to form a cohesive experience.

At the heart of SABOTAGE is Michael Bishop, played by Mark Dacascos. A former Navy SEAL, Bishop's transition back to civilian life is fraught with peril as he navigates his new role as a bodyguard. His journey is thrown off course by a shadowy conspiracy that targets his clients, thrusting him into a web of danger and deceit. Dacascos portrays Bishop with a blend of toughness and vulnerability, filling every scene he's in with a surprising bit of emotion.

The chemistry between Bishop and Agent Louise Castle, portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss, evolves from a cold, standoffish vibe to a respectful partnership out of necessity. This evolution explores human connections forged in the fires of adversity. As the menacing Sherwood, Tony Todd embodies the perfect antagonist, blending malevolence with mystery to keep the stakes high and the tension on edge.

Supporting performances by Graham Greene and John Neville help link Bishop's troubled past with the present threats around him, adding depth to the film's story and complexity. While SABOTAGE excels in delivering some solid action sequences, it does have moments where it just flat-out misses. This has much to do with the budgetary constraints, as the entire cast gives it their all here.

Despite occasional pacing issues, where the narrative seems to drag, the film makes the most of its story, showcasing SABOTAGE’s ability to balance sophisticated character development with precise action choreography. This showdown is a satisfying culmination of the film's intricate plot. Some versions of SABOTAGE released around the world were edited to accommodate different ratings, so even if you’ve seen this before, you may not have seen this version!

SABOTAGE is a fun addition to the B-movie action genre, blending character studies with meticulously crafted action sequences. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it succeeds in delivering a well-thought-out narrative that entertains and engages, making it an essential watch for those who value a plot-driven approach to action cinema.

Bonus Materials
Main feature presented in 1080p HD in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio
Audio: LPCM 2.0 Stereo
Optional English Subtitles
NEW! Interview with actor Mark Dacascos (HD, 32:11)
NEW! Interview with Actor Tony Todd (HD, 13:24)
Mark Dacascos trailer collection
Double-sided artwork
Collectible Mini-Poster
Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only)

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[photo courtesy of MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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