Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Generic terrorist/kidnapping movie has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Redemption Day
What's the Story?
In REDEMPTION DAY, U.S. Marine captain Brad Paxton (Gary Dourdan) has nightmares about a failed mission in Syria. Meanwhile, his archeologist wife, Kate (Serinda Swan), has made a major discovery and heads to Morocco to start a dig. Unfortunately, she unwittingly trespasses into enemy territory, and she and two colleagues are kidnapped by a terrorist group. So Brad springs into action to rescue his wife. Meanwhile, a shady U.S. ambassador (Andy Garcia) tries to keep his personal interests intact, and the terrorists discover a secret about Kate that they exploit for an even higher ransom demand.
Is It Any Good?
Trying to address real-world political and moral concerns, this action movie instead comes across as utterly generic and low-rent, with no surprises or thrills and with little emotional engagement. Moroccan-born director and co-writer Hicham Hajji does get points for trying to shed light on events in Syria, Morocco, and Algeria -- and for trying to make a statement about the United States' lust for oil. He also gets a few points for avoiding any kind of gung-ho blind patriotism. But all of these things are uncomfortably wrapped up in a bland, lifeless action movie that resorts to dull, shaky-cam thrills and cheap-looking gunshot wounds.
One scene in particular verges on being offensive: It tries to make viewers believe that Kate is going to be raped but instead pulls a "twist." Both Dourdan and Swan are likable enough in their roles, but the roles themselves are flatlined, mainly expressed in soft, serious tones throughout, without any nuance or depth. In supporting roles, Ernie Hudson and Martin Donovan are serviceable, doing the kind of thing they regularly do. Garcia at least gets to chew on some scenery, actually chewing on Cuban cigars as a bonus. In the end, though, Redemption Day is, sadly, unredeemable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Redemption Day's violence. How is it different when heroes are killed vs. villains? Are there consequence for the violence?
Is Brad Paxton a positive representation? Is he strong? Smart? Independent? Why is it important to see a wide range of representation in the media? Did you notice any stereotypes in this film?
What does the movie have to say about the United States and oil interests? How do you feel about the situation?
Is the main character a "lone wolf" type, or does he rely on teamwork? What's the difference?
Is smoking -- especially the U.S. ambassador's cigars -- glamorized here? What impact could that have?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 8, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : January 12, 2021
- Cast : Gary Dourdan , Serinda Swan , Andy Garcia
- Director : Hicham Hajji
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Last updated : January 15, 2021
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