BEYOND THE LAW (2019) Steven Seagal, Johnny Messner, DMX
(Review may contain spoilers)
Straight away (to those who don't already know) Steven Seagal is
not headlining this movie. As it stands, he's in the movie long enough to warrant an appearence on the poster. Quibbles aside, he put's in a fairly credible performance (a little like Pauly Trunks from 'Gutshot Straight'....but a bit more, pardon the pun, weightier) Contrary to other reviews, he doesn't spend the entire movie sat down (just a fair percentage of it)
Despite his (all too brief) fight at the end, he seems to channeling his 'Mr Alexander' persona (from 'Force Of Execution') here
I think approaching this movie with no misconceptions (or even, low-expectations) you'll be pleasantly surprised that there's a decent little crime thriller, lurking underneath.
Messner is his usual, gruff self (looking permanently hungover or pissed off) as the crooked ex-cop looking to find out who killed his (long estranged) son.
DMX (never the worlds greatest thespian to begin with) plays it fairly low-key (and all the better for it) as an active cop (but no less corrupt) He shares a phone call with Seagal's character (once) in the movie....but it's more than obvious (given the rumours on 'Exit Wounds') that they were never on set with each other, this time around?
The three central characters all share equal(ish) screentime (just rarely together) and they're all corrupt anyhow....so there's no distinguishable 'good-guy' to root for here (which felt like a nice change of pace for Seagal) The viewers sympathies should probably lie with Messner (as he's the protaganist that's seeking vengeance) but whether or not it was the writers choice (or Seagals interference/ego demanded otherwise) it doesn't end too well for any of the characters involved
Although low-budget, the cinematography is good (if not great)
A nice clear soundtrack (music and vocals)
No voice (or stunt) doubles for Seagal and enough 'incident' to keep the viewer interested throughout (i.e, a lean plot, with little filler)
Zack Ward (whom I've followed since Uwe Boll's 'POSTAL') is suitably smarmy/cocky as Seagal's wannabe-gangster son. Seagal spends the first half of the movie, warning his son away from crime (and being generally disappointed in his offspring) but as soon as Seagal finds out the same son is cutting side-deals and trying to take over his empire....he puts down his cigars and whiskey and rights a few of his own wrongs.
All in all, Beyond The Law is a slightly better movie for Seagal (career-wise) it's a shame it's not a better 'Seagal-Movie' (in terms of his screentime) It's great to see him become (
gasp!) a decent supporting 'character actor' this late in his career....but only 5-10 years previously, he'd have likely played the role that Messner got?
Whilst I'm glad Steven put in a decent performance here....I'd wish he'd take centre stage again (whilst he's still agile enough?) Given the fact that none of the cast looked to be on set for more than a few days each....Seagal should (like Bruce Willis or Nicolas Cage) at very least, be putting out more 'little' movies like this per year than he is at the moment.
If you like some of the medium-end DTV fare (like Bruce Willis or Luke Goss are putting out) but with a more 'crime thriller' leaning....then I'd highly recommend 'Beyond The Law'.....if you're expecting 'Under Siege III'.....look elsewhere
