Navigating Morals in a World of Crime

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MOVIE REVIEW
Hellhound
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Genre: Action
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Joshua Dixon
Writer(s): Niccolô de la Fère
Cast: Louis Mandylor, Vithaya Pansringarm, Van Quattro, Jirayu Yimamphai
Where To Watch: coming to the UK digital on May 6, 2024, from Miracle Media, On Demand, and Digital now in the US from Saban Films

RAVING REVIEW: Journey down the buzzing streets of Bangkok as its playground in this action thriller, HELLHOUND. In this action-packed movie, director Joshua Dixon takes us deep into the conflicted life of Loreno, a hitman played with grit by Louis Mandylor. Yearning to escape from his dangerous existence, Loreno finds himself entangled in a final job that spirals into a labyrinth of moral complexities and heart-pounding confrontations. Offering more than just high-speed chases and explosions, it’s a narrative that combines suspense, drama, and Bangkok’s raw, pulsating life.

Right off the bat, HELLHOUND promises to add a new spark to the action genre. With a performance that’s both intense and nuanced, Mandylor anchors the film. His portrayal of Loreno, a man entangled in his own life’s web, is a study of internal conflict and resilience. The ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Vithaya Pansringarm and Jirayu Yimamphai, brings texture and depth to the story, with each character adding another piece to this cinematic puzzle.

Niccolô de la Fère’s screenplay is a notable departure from typical action fare. The script blends familiar elements of the genre with fresh, engaging storytelling, ensuring viewers remain on the edge of their seats. Dixon’s directorial approach is a visual journey, particularly in his portrayal of Bangkok. The city is more than just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character that adds complexity and intrigue to the plot.

In HELLHOUND, the cinematography is as much a protagonist as Loreno. It’s not just about the adrenaline-fueled action sequences; it’s about capturing the emotional turmoil and the vividly dangerous landscape. Each frame helps build the tension and atmosphere, creating a visual narrative as engaging as the plot.

However, the film only hits some of the right notes. While it excels in delving into Loreno’s internal battles, it underutilizes its supporting characters. Expanding their stories would have added more decadent layers to the film, providing a more rounded cinematic experience. While comfortable, HELLHOUND’s adherence to established action movie tropes also leaves room for more innovative storytelling techniques that could have taken the film to new heights. Ultimately, the film has as many hits throughout its runtime as it misses, which is unfortunate because it felt like there was a genuine story here begging to get out.

Dixon’s foray into the action genre with HELLHOUND is indeed still commendable. The film melds high-stakes action sequences with some intricate character development, elevating it above standard mailed-in thriller fare. As the narrative unfolds, the audience is treated to a complex web of motivations, allegiances, and conflicts, all set against the electrifying backdrop.

HELLHOUND is a movie that offers a blend of action and depth, setting itself apart with compelling visual storytelling and some strong performances. Although it clings to familiar genre conventions, Dixon and his team have crafted a film that speaks to action fans and casual moviegoers.

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[photo courtesy of MIRACLE MEDIA, SABAN FILMS]

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