Now on Blu-ray, Vanquish tells a crime story in this actioner with rollercoaster thrills that’s wild and vicious. Directed and co-written by George Gallo (writer of Bad Boys) the film has some good special effects and stunts. However, the plot is very predictable, hackneyed and the acting a bit underrated. If you want a few thrills from chase scenes and don’t mind dealing with Deja Vu, then pick up a Blu-ray or DVD at your favorite outlet.
A retired police detective who left the force due to injuries received during a police raid, Damon (Morgan Freeman) still has a lot of clout with the department. Victoria (Ruby Rose), a former Russian drug courier who has left the mob for a normal life with her daughter Lilly (Juju Journey Brener), has ties with Damon. Needing her to do some money pick-ups for him, he forces her to make the dangerous runs by kidnapping her daughter.
Cutting her hair down to a buzz cut, Ruby Rose turns up the heat on a souped-up motorcycle while she strong arms resistance from drug dealers who are paying off Damon for protection. She “looks” mean enough to not be a push over, but the dialogue just doesn’t fit her character.
As for Morgan Freeman, he can’t do much acting from a wheelchair, and when he comes face to face with Victoria wanting her daughter back, well, you’ll have to see what happens yourself. I have a feeling Freeman may have been doing George Gallo a favor for his appearance as he probably did in Gallo’s The Poison Rose. But, it’s hard not liking this master of film with over 130 movie and TV credits to his name. And, he’s still one of my top favorites. You are the best Morgan.
Vanquish has been rated R by the MPAA for bloody violence, language, some sexual material and drug use. The film is available on Blu-ray and DVD where you buy videos. (2 stars out of 5)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Ruby Rose, Patrick Muldoon, Nick VVallelonga, Juju Journey Brener
Directed by: George Gallo
Co-written by: George Gallo
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for bloody violence, language, some sexual material and drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.
Video Release Date: April 27, 2021
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released on: Blu-ray, DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
