Shadow Force

As many espionage films that are out there, there are, at least, as many or more of the special forces/black ops films in this particular genre. Whether these films are based in the military or are civilian run, there's something a film goer can sink their teeth into. "Shadow Force" is one of those films that pits the bad guys with ones that have branched off at total odds with each other. 

In this story, Kydah Owens (Kerry Washington) and Isaac Sarr (Omar Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, Ky Sarr (Jahleel Kamara). they go underground. With a huge bounty on their heads by leader, Jack Cinder (Mark Strong), and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family's fight becomes an all-out war. Will they be able to keep one step ahead of Cinder in order to survive?

Others to round out the cast are Da 'Vine Joy Randolph as Marvella or 'Auntie', Cliff 'Method Man' Smith as Avery or 'Unc', Marshall Cook as Patrick, Ed Quinn as Parker, Yoson An as Varjo, Jenel Stevens as Anino, Marvin Jones III as Cysgod, Sala Baker as Scath and Natalia Reyes as Moriti.

This film was directed with grit and tenacity by seasoned Joe Carnahan ("Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane" '98, "Narc" '02, "Smokin' Aces" '06, "Faceless" (TV movie) '06, "The A-Team" '10, "The Grey" '11, "Stretch" '14, "Boss Level" '20, "Battle Ready" (TV movie) '20, "Copshop" '21) plus TV, shorts and a video. By his very resume, Carnahan certainly has perfected the drama and intensity of those in war and the political realm and does so unapologetically. The intensity between Sy and Washington was gritty all the while that they wholeheartedly believe in family and ultimately made that their mainstay, and this represents talented directing. If you like this filmmaker's brand, both his "Not Without Hope" and "RIP" are completed and in post production respectively for a 2025 release date. It was equally well penned by writers Joe Carnahan ("Karate Raider" '95, "Narc" '02, "Smokin' Aces" '06, "Pride and Glory" '08, "The Grey" '11, "Stretch" '14, "Death Wish" '18, "Bad Boys for Life" '20, "Copshop" '21) plus other films, TV, shorts and a video and Leon Chills (TV). This being predominantly written by a seasoned writer (Carnahan), it certainly kept the audience's attention while these two special force ops were balancing their impossible jobs while attempting to raise their child. The only issue with this was that somewhere after about a quarter the way through the film, it started to slow down and was a bit choppy in those places, otherwise it was thrilling and taught as a film of this caliber should be. The supporting cast was strong, especially Mark Strong as the baddie which he plays so well. even though Leon Chills has only TV to his credit, it must have served him well. 

If this particular genre is a favorite, this will serve you with much action, intensity and adrenaline. It has a good cast and fine filmmakers working on it. For a film that didn't receive much press like the new Jurassic World or F1: The Movie, this will certainly keep you glued to the screen while entertaining you as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                        Rated: R                                           104mins.