Right, well I have to say that I wasn't really expecting a whole lot from the 2022 action crime thriller "Renegades" as I sat down to watch it. But I figured that with the rather interesting cast ensemble that was in the movie, then there might actually be a chance that this could turn out as a good movie.
And I have to say that writers Tom Jolliffe and Jonathan Sothcott definitely were on to something here with the script that they had put together for director Daniel Zirilli to bring to the screen. But it was just a shame that director Daniel Zirilli botched the opportunity that was readily served at his disposal.
The storyline had some good aspects to it, but the movie felt clumsy and sluggish. It was partly an insanely wooden, rigid and awkward dialogue that was shunting the movie's momentum. Well, that and also the fact that the action sequences didn't really feel particularly dynamic and fluid.
I was especially taken aback with the delivery of the dialogue and the general lack of enthusiasm, commitment and commitment from the cast in general. It just took away so much from the movie. It was as if the actors themselves didn't buy into the subpar script they had to work with.
"Renegades" definitely had a great cast ensemble, with the likes of Lee Majors, Michael Paré, Louis Mandylor, Nick Moran, Tom Lister Jr., Ian Ogilvy and Danny Trejo on the cast list. Of all these talents, it felt like only Lee Majors and Louis Mandylor were actively putting in an effort into their characters and trying to make something of the movie. Personally I don't understand why they opt to put the surgically altered and silicone enhanced performers in movies, and there was one such individual in this movie here, and the alterations done to her face just ruined every scene that she was in, because it was so difficult to take her serious as an officer of the police force.
The action sequences in the movie weren't particularly exciting. And an action crime thriller should be packed with thrilling and adrenaline-packed action sequences. Sadly such things were not present in "Renegades". Sure, there were some action sequences, but they were pretty much ruined by some dubious special effects for the shots from weapon, explosions and such.
For an action crime thriller then "Renegades" was a flaccid addition to the genre. The movie brought nothing new to the genre, nor was it particularly outstanding or thrilling. So it was a rather bland and mediocre viewing experience to sit through. I did manage to sit through the entire movie, but believe you me when I say that I am never returning to watch "Renegades" a second time.
My rating of director Daniel Zirilli's 2022 action crime thriller "Renegades" lands on a three out of ten stars.
