Oscar (Luca Oriel) is a young Mexican man trying to live a life on the right side of the law and distance himself from the gang life that has insnared his brother Hector (Guillermo Iván). He is befriended by Bryant (Michael Jai White), a man with a past who mentors him in martial arts. When a video is taken of Oscar in a fight, the techniques taught him send a signal to the wrong people.

When Sonny Kilbane (Tom Berenger), a criminal kingpin running his empire from prison sees the video, the two worlds are set on a crash course. As the story escalates we see how resourceful Bryant is and as parts of his backstory are revealed, we find out the true nature of the man. His developing friendship with Oscar’s brother Hector gives us the chance to see the human side of Bryant as well.

Complexity in the storyline is given a minority approach and you are given enough screen time with Bryant and his allies that they become the ones you become invested in. When things reach their conclusion, there are no real surprises but the satisfaction of seeing some righteous comeuppance to those that deserve it. It’s an entertaining way to spend the evening and will please aficionados of action films.
Rob Hudson

The film is out now on VOD and DVD from Eagle Entertainment Australia

Then an accident happens that results in Adam becoming a quadriplegic. This forces Adam to confront many hard truths. His gift of gab and the results they used to enable runs headlong into the reality of not being able to talk one’s way out of medical certainties. His progress at returning to a sense of normalcy is slow at first as his anger clouds almost all his actions. Returning to live with his parents and brother only accentuates the distance.

Redemption begins when Yevgeina, a Russian nurse (Lena Olin) is hired to help with Adam’s rehabilitation. She refuses to wallow in his self-pity and together they slowly thrive in the reflection of small victories. This bittersweet story benefits from its believability. The circumstances Adam finds himself in are presented in a matter of fact way and the resistance to ramped up melodrama kept things relatable.
Rob Hudson

This title is available now from the following sources:
Apple TV App, Foxtel Store, Fetch, Google Play, Telstra TV Box Office, Playstation Video, YouTube Movies, JB Hi-Fi, Sanity, Big W, Amazon
www.facebook.com/defiantscreenentertainment