Mexicali
The brief
This feels like a throwback to 90s DTV action flicks where plot is just an excuse to get a grizzled warrior back in the fight, and honestly, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Bren Foster brings legitimate martial arts chops to what could have been another generic "farmer with a particular set of skills" setup, while the Mexicali setting gives the inevitable shootouts and hand-to-hand combat a sun-baked, dusty atmosphere that works better than expected. The pacing is brisk enough to gloss over the familiar beats, and LaFontaine keeps things grounded in practical stunts rather than CGI nonsense. Perfect for anyone missing the straightforward pleasures of prime Steven Seagal or craving something in the Taken family tree but with better fight choreography.
The verdict
If you're craving old-school action thrills with solid fight choreography and don't need complex plotting, this is a satisfying throwback that delivers practical stunts and sun-soaked atmosphere. If you expect sophisticated storytelling or can't tolerate familiar "retired warrior" setups, you'll find this too generic despite the competent execution.
Watch with
- 👥 Action fans craving straightforward thrills
- ⚠️ Those seeking complex plots
Heads up
- Frequent gunfight violence (frequent)
- Hand-to-hand combat sequences (moderate)
- Gangster intimidation tactics (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Luke LaFontaine
- Cast
- Bren Foster, Plutarco Haza, Tania Raymonde, Kris Van Damme, Fabrice Uzan
Official synopsis
A former special forces contractor is forced out of retirement as an avocado farmer in Mexico when local gangsters
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Seven Snipers (2026)
Both feature retired military men defending territory against criminal forces.
Total runtime: 1h 39m + 1h 27m = 3h 6m
