Tokarev

In my effort to see as many films of last years as I can, I come across a typical revenge film that is indicative of a Euripides tragedy. Reason giving was to passion as the protagonist attempts to avenge the death of his daughter.

At the end, one thinks of Karma at work. The sins of the past being balanced in the future.

But is is those sins that cause me to think throughout this movie. I see an Irish Catholic boy in Paul (Nicolas Cage) who presumably confessed his sins and received absolution, and who then went on to perform great works to put that sinful life behind him.

But, I also see the stain of those sins remaining in his heart and soul. They never truly go away, and he reverts to his previous character and commits even greater sins as his passions consume him.

Passion overcomes reason and causes Paul to reject those who love him, and to hurt his friends as well as his enemies.

The sins of the father are visited upon the son, or in this case upon the daughter, played by Aubrey Peeples of Lake Mary, Florida, and a famed Sharknado actor.

When the daughter of a reformed criminal (Nicolas Cage happily married to Rachel Nichols ) is abducted , he rounds up his old team (Max Ryan , Michael McGrady) and attempts to solve the kidnap , at the same time he seeks vendetta against the kidnappers . As he and his crew face off criminal bosses and henchmen employing drastic tortures and pains including crude punishment , physical abuse , panic attack and brutal violence . The past never stays dead.

This is a thrilling and bleak film with high doses of suspense , intrigue , plot twists , blood , and violence . This stirring story is compellingly filmed , following a violent and dark style similar to Paco Cabezas' former successful films . And sadly showing quite a few amoral roles , corruption , badness and despicable acts of pure evil carried out by the violent protagonists as well as the ruthless contenders . While the look is suitable sinister and intriguing, the plot spreads to the surprising breaking point , including an unexpected final that turns out to be extremely stirring . There stands out Nicolas Cage giving his usual but acceptable interpretation as a relentless avenger father who broken by pain , rage and impotence attempts to seek the nasty agressors and exact a merciless vendetta by using terrible and cruel tortures . As the reformed ex-delinquent seeks his own brand of justice , as he acts as revenger judge , jury and executioner , Charles Bronson-alike . Nicolas Cage hired filmmaker Paco Cabezas , because being a huge fan of Carne de neón (2010), Paco Cabezas' second movie and the one who caught the attention of Hollywood . Here the veteran Nicolas Cage is well accompanied by a fine support cast , such as : Rachel Nichols as his wife , Max Ryan , Michael McGrady , Peter Stormare , Pasha Lychnikoff and special mention for the forgotten Danny Glover as Det. Peter St. John .

It packs an atmospheric and adequate cinematography by Andrzej Sekula , who has also shot some fims ,being filmed in Mobile, Alabama . As well as a moving and sensitive musical score by Laurent Eyquem . This decent production is a thriller/revenge competently directed by Pablo Cabezas . His first feature length Project was ¨Aparecidos¨ (2007) a terror Spanish/Argentina film . Paco is a good screen-writer such as ¨Bon Appetit¨ (2010) , ¨Spanish movie¨(2009) , ¨Sexy killer¨(2008) and a notorious filmmaker , especially known for Carne Neón (2010), , being subsequently hired by Hollywood/Nicolas Cage , where directed Tokarev (2014) . Furthermore , he is filmmaking ¨Men with No Fear¨ and ¨Mr. Right¨ in post-production . And shooting some episodes of popular series as Penny Dreadful (TV Series) , Fear of walking dead , The strain , Into the badlands , among others .Rating : 6.5/10 . Acceptable and passable . The motion picture will appeal to Nicolas Cage fans and thriller buffs .

I've watched some truly terrible films but this is the 1st time I have ever blacklisted a director. This fairly new Spanish filmmaker paco took some good ingredients and what must have been a fair budget and put cage into a... where to begin: very poorly scripted, cliché ridden, terrible music choice, poor use of effects, good actors poorly acting, beyond stupid sequences, stop start one dimensional, no character development(it does not count when you just narrate the plot or history)

It was an attempted rip off of the excellent taken. The one use of this film would be a learning tool for film students as the what not to do.

To end ill give you just one example as to why the blame is securely at the feet of the director. Near the end of a stupid action scene, as cage is about to deliver his cliché one liner, we get a cut shot which starts with a 3 second close up of nics crotch before panning up....pfff

Nick Cage has made some good movies, some mediocre movies and some bad movies; Tokarev is the worst. A trite, improbable plot, terrible directing, awful music and inane car chases. I kept hoping it would get better, but though hope may spring eternal, this film dashed all hope. At the end, I presume this was some sort of money laundering exercise for a criminal gang. You know, take a dog's breakfast of a script, use a major star,pay cash everywhere and sell the rights for clean money.

There is nothing to recommend this film. All the acting is sub-par. Not once is there an ounce of emotion created that would reach the audience. To the criminals who made this film I say, okay wash the money, but find a better film. It may be a crime to laundry money, but the real crime is making such a bad film

I can't believe Cage would agree to be on such Movie. This is so bad that even cage couldnt act. Gave it a 5 for out of respect. I do not recommend.