REVIEW: “Dirty Angels” (2024)

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of action films and thrillers, I found “Dirty Angels” to be a disappointing addition to the genre. The film boasts an impressive cast of talented actresses, including the captivating Eva Green, but they are hindered by a script that fails to elevate them beyond their stereotypical roles.

In “Dirty Angels”, Eva Green demonstrates her prowess in action films under the guidance of director Martin Campbell, who is known for his work on “Goldeneye” and “Casino Royale”. The ensemble cast, predominantly female, includes Ruby Rose, Maria Bakalova, Rona-Lee Shimon, Jojo T. Gibbs, Emily Bruni, and Laëtitia Eïdo. Each actress proves their aptitude for delivering what the film requires, and even more. Unfortunately, the material they were given could have been stronger.

The issue lies in that the female characters are restricted by a dull script, preventing them from showcasing more than their stereotypical roles. Occasionally, there are attempts at creating emotional complexity, but these moments often fall flat when the characters are confined to their one-dimensional roles again. Despite their efforts, the actresses bring some individuality to the storyline, yet everything, from the action sequences to the supposedly tough dialogue, seems like it’s imitating an old and unoriginal pattern.

Titled “Dirty Angels,” this story unfolds in 2021, amidst the complicated U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. A group of ISIS militants, headed by a merciless and somewhat comically extreme leader named Amir (George Iskandar), invade a high school for girls in Pakistan. They kidnap several students, including the daughter of a prominent Pakistani official. After crossing the border into Afghanistan, they hold them captive in one of their hideouts. Demanding a ransom of $70 million and the release of a specific religious figure detained by authorities, Amir makes his intentions known.

In this scenario, I’m tasked as Jake, a battle-hardened special ops soldier, who receives a call from an old friend and CIA agent named Travis (Christopher Backus). He proposes an operation: leading an elite team on a daring rescue mission to save kidnapped girls. Initially uninterested, my spirits are ignited upon learning that the mission involves Amir, the monster who massacred my team just a few months prior. Seeking vengeance, I agree to the operation and channel my wrath towards Pakistan.

To successfully pass through the border, Jake will disguise himself as a staff member of an International Aid Group. To enhance his cover, he’s been assigned a multinational team, each with unique skills and identities. They go by nicknames: Bruni (Shooter), the weapons expert; Gibbs (Geek), the tech whiz; Bakalova (The Bomb), who manages explosives; Shimon (Rocky), the mechanic; and Rose (Medic), our medical professional. To add authenticity, they’re supported by two local siblings, Aziz Çapkurt and Reza Brojerdi, who inject some humor into this otherwise intense film.

The plot develops slowly in this story, and it takes some time before significant events occur. Eventually, when action happens, it’s clear where things are headed. Throughout the narrative, screenwriters Alissa Sullivan Haggis and Jonas McCord strive to depict the unstable nature of the region. However, distinguishing among ISIS, the Taliban, and the Pakistani government isn’t always straightforward.

The exhilarating culmination of the rescue operation, filled with intense action, offers a refreshing boost. However, the laborious journey leading up to it doesn’t add any extra excitement. It fails to make the underdeveloped characters more profound. And it doesn’t rectify the movie’s general lack of creativity. These are some obstacles that hinder “Dirty Angels,” preventing it from realizing its promised potential.

2024-12-12 20:56

REVIEW: “Dirty Angels” (2024)

Read More

Minority Mindset