As Good as Dead: A Review of the Gritty Action Thriller

In a cinematic landscape saturated with superhero spectacles and CGI-laden blockbusters, sometimes a gritty, character-driven action thriller is exactly what the doctor ordered. As Good as Dead, released in December 2022, attempts to fill that void. But does it succeed? This review delves into the film's plot, characters, direction, and overall impact to determine if it lives up to its potentially intriguing premise.

Plot: A Tangled Web of Violence and Redemption

The premise of As Good as Dead is immediately engaging: an ex-cop, now living under witness protection in the sun-drenched anonymity of Mexico, is dragged back into his old life when a video of his protégé, a young mixed martial artist, goes viral after a brutal street fight. The ensuing attention draws unwanted eyes, threatening to expose our protagonist's carefully constructed new identity and endangering everyone around him.

The film follows the ex-cop, now known as "Frank," as he navigates a treacherous underworld filled with ruthless gangsters, corrupt officials, and vengeful enemies from his past. He must protect his apprentice, "Jake," while simultaneously trying to maintain his cover and keep his loved ones safe. The plot thickens with each passing scene, revealing layers of betrayal, conspiracy, and long-held secrets.

However, the film's narrative structure occasionally falters. While the initial setup is strong, the middle act suffers from pacing issues. Certain plot points feel rushed, while others are unnecessarily drawn out. The motivations of some characters also remain somewhat unclear, leaving viewers questioning their actions and allegiances. The ending, while providing a degree of closure, feels somewhat predictable and lacks the emotional punch that the film seemed to be building towards.

Characters: Shades of Gray in a Morally Ambiguous World

The strength of As Good as Dead lies in its characters, particularly its protagonist, Frank. He is a complex and morally ambiguous figure, haunted by his past mistakes and desperately trying to atone for them. His internal struggle between his desire for a peaceful life and his ingrained sense of justice is compelling to watch. The actor portraying Frank delivers a nuanced performance, conveying the character's inner turmoil with subtle gestures and expressions.

Jake, the young MMA fighter, is another interesting character. He is portrayed as a talented but troubled young man, struggling with anger issues and a lack of direction in his life. Frank serves as a mentor and father figure to Jake, guiding him towards a more disciplined and responsible path. However, Jake's impulsiveness and recklessness often put him and Frank in danger, creating a constant source of tension and conflict.

The supporting characters, while not as fully developed as Frank and Jake, are still memorable. The ruthless gangster, the corrupt police chief, and the loyal friend all contribute to the film's rich tapestry of personalities. However, some of these characters could have benefited from more screen time and deeper exploration of their backstories and motivations.

Direction: A Visually Compelling but Uneven Experience

The director of As Good as Dead demonstrates a clear understanding of visual storytelling. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the vibrant colors and textures of Mexico. The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, with a raw and visceral feel that adds to the film's sense of realism. The director effectively uses camera angles and editing techniques to create suspense and tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

However, the direction is not without its flaws. The pacing of the film is inconsistent, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on for too long. The director also relies on certain clichés of the action genre, such as slow-motion shots and overly dramatic music, which can feel somewhat predictable and detract from the film's overall impact. Additionally, the film occasionally suffers from a lack of subtlety, with the director resorting to heavy-handed symbolism and exposition to convey certain themes and ideas.

Cinematography: A Feast for the Eyes

The cinematography of As Good as Dead is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking shots of the Mexican landscape, from the bustling city streets to the serene beaches. The cinematographer makes excellent use of natural light and color to create a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The camera work is dynamic and engaging, with smooth tracking shots and creative angles that enhance the film's sense of movement and energy.

The use of color is particularly noteworthy. The warm, earthy tones of the Mexican setting are contrasted with the cool, dark colors of the underworld, creating a visual representation of the film's themes of good versus evil. The cinematographer also uses color to highlight the emotional states of the characters, with bright, vibrant colors representing happiness and hope, and muted, desaturated colors representing sadness and despair.

Performances: A Mix of Strengths and Weaknesses

The performances in As Good as Dead are generally strong, with the lead actor delivering a particularly compelling portrayal of Frank. He embodies the character's weariness, vulnerability, and determination with remarkable authenticity. His performance is nuanced and understated, allowing the audience to connect with Frank on a deep emotional level.

The actor playing Jake also delivers a solid performance, capturing the character's youthful energy and rebellious spirit. However, his performance occasionally veers into caricature, with some of his line deliveries feeling forced and unnatural. The supporting cast is a mixed bag, with some actors delivering memorable performances and others fading into the background. Overall, the performances in As Good as Dead are competent but not consistently outstanding.

Themes and Messages: Redemption, Forgiveness, and the Cycle of Violence

As Good as Dead explores several complex themes and messages. One of the most prominent themes is redemption. Frank is a man haunted by his past mistakes, seeking to atone for his sins by protecting Jake and living a more peaceful life. The film suggests that redemption is possible, but it requires sacrifice, courage, and a willingness to confront one's demons.

Another important theme is forgiveness. Frank must learn to forgive himself for his past transgressions, and he must also learn to forgive others who have wronged him. The film suggests that forgiveness is essential for healing and moving on from the past. However, it also acknowledges that forgiveness is not always easy, and it may not always be possible.

The film also explores the cycle of violence. Frank's past actions have created a chain of events that continue to haunt him and those around him. The film suggests that violence begets violence, and that breaking the cycle requires a conscious effort to choose peace over aggression. However, it also acknowledges that violence is sometimes necessary for self-defense and the protection of others.

Comparison to Similar Films

As Good as Dead shares similarities with other action thrillers that explore themes of redemption and the dark side of law enforcement. Films like Man on Fire (2004) and Taken (2008) also feature protagonists who are forced to confront their violent pasts in order to protect those they care about. However, As Good as Dead distinguishes itself with its more nuanced characters and its exploration of the complexities of morality. Unlike the straightforward revenge narratives of Man on Fire and Taken, As Good as Dead delves into the psychological toll of violence and the challenges of finding peace in a world filled with conflict.

The film also draws inspiration from neo-noir films such as L.A. Confidential (1997) and Chinatown (1974), which explore themes of corruption, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity. Like these films, As Good as Dead presents a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and where the pursuit of justice can have unintended consequences.

Positive Aspects

As Good as Dead has several positive aspects that make it a worthwhile viewing experience. The film's strong performances, particularly from the lead actor, are a major highlight. The cinematography is also exceptional, capturing the beauty and grit of the Mexican setting. The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, and the film's exploration of complex themes such as redemption and forgiveness adds depth and meaning to the story.

Constructive Criticism

Despite its strengths, As Good as Dead also has some weaknesses. The pacing of the film is inconsistent, and some plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped. The motivations of some characters are unclear, and the ending feels somewhat predictable. The director also relies on certain clichés of the action genre, which can detract from the film's overall impact. Additionally, the film could have benefited from more subtlety in its exploration of its themes and messages.

Conclusion

As Good as Dead is a solid action thriller with strong performances, stunning cinematography, and thought-provoking themes. While the film suffers from some pacing issues and a predictable ending, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It's a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre who appreciate character-driven stories and morally ambiguous protagonists. While not a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, it provides a satisfying dose of action and suspense with a touch of emotional depth.

Rating: 7.5/10