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DERRICK DUNN

Clear Cut is a routine low budget actioner throwback


Director Brian Skiba continues his trend of low-budget actioners with his latest film, "Clear Cut" from Lionsgate. Joe Perrucio pens the film's screenplay. Jack (Clive Standen) is a former DEA agent who has lost his passion for the job. Returning to a life of timber in the Pacific Northwest for a company owned by (Alec Baldwin), it is clear that Jack is running from something.


In the midst of this, a despicable methamphetamine producer, portrayed by Lochlyn Munro, anxiously anticipates the arrival of bagmen consisting of Jesse Metcalfe, Tom Welling, and Chelsey Reist to collect some funds. As a chain of events unfolds, Jack becomes the prime target of these ruthless criminals who may have a direct link to his past. Venturing deeper into the wooded surroundings, Jack must employ all his abilities to ensure his survival and pave the difficult road to redemption.


As I often emphasize in my critiques, growing up in the early eighties and nineties offered a captivating and diverse era for action movies. The era was marked by the stylish visuals and thrilling storytelling of directors like John Woo and Walter Hill, as well as the grand cinematic spectacles produced by Joel Silver. Additionally, the period was characterized by the emergence of lower-budget but equally compelling films from studios like Cannon. Each film offered its unique charm and contributed to the rich tapestry of action cinema during that time.


Having had mixed feelings about the director's previous works, 'The 2nd' and 'Pursuit,' I approached 'Clear Cut' with a hint of skepticism. However, as the film unfolded, I was pleasantly surprised. The first thing that caught my attention was Clive Standen, who had previously impressed me in the show 'Council Of Dads.' His action skills are believable, and the script wisely avoids giving him an easy way out.


The portrayal of Jesse Metcalfe and Tom Welling as antagonists in "Clear Cut" provided a refreshing change. Tom Welling, known for his role in "Smallville," effectively embodies the role of an antagonist without displaying a smile throughout the film. Lochlyn Munro and Chelsey Reist also demonstrated a compelling performance in their villainous roles.


Despite the brevity of "Clear Cut," the narrative structure appears disjointed. Joe Perrucio's script frequently oscillates between Jack's backstory and the present day, interrupting the flow of the story. A more cohesive opening sequence elaborating on Jack's background and connection to the antagonists could have enhanced the storytelling. Furthermore, it is evident that Mr. Baldwin's participation in the film was primarily motivated by financial reasons, and any actor could have executed the role with a similar outcome.


"Clear Cut" represents a marked improvement for director Brian Skiba, albeit with room for further enhancement. While my inclination may not lead me to revisit the film, aficionados of low-budget action films might find it worth exploring.

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