Warhorse One Movie Review

Warhorse One Click to look into! >> Read More... is a war drama written and co-directed by William Kaufmann and Johnny Strong Johnny Strong is a musician, martial art expert, a >> Read More... . This film focuses on the events around the military evacuation of the US from Afghanistan in 2021. Johnny Strong makes his debut as a director. The movie also stars Johnny Strong and Athena Durner in lead roles. The film's supporting cast includes Raj Kala, James Sherrill, Siya, Todd Jenkins, Danny Augustus, Michael Saueurs, etc. The movie had a limited theatrical release on 30 June 2023, following which it was available for direct streaming from July 2023. 

Plot

Following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, a SEAL team is sent for a rescue mission. However, they fall prey to an ambush, and the entire team is wiped out. However, one lone survivor is a man on a mission. He must not only evade the hostile insurgents but also bring back another survivor: a five-year-old traumatized child to safety. 

Star Performances 

As writer, director, and lead actor, the job for Johnny Strong was far from a cakewalk. However, he does make an honest effort. He has ensured that the movie is engaging, even if some sequences make you say, "Dude, What?"

Another standout performer is the young Athena Durner, who has portrayed the role of a child caught in the crossfire. She did a fine job, given the circumstances and her age. 

Analysis 

There are probably three kinds of movies: certified classics, movies with Disaster painted all over them, and then movies that keep both critics and audiences divided. 'Warhorse One' is probably the movie of the third kind. 

A simple glance at a trailer will make you wonder: What did this movie do to deserve a 20 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes? It is not perfect, true. However, it is not as disastrous as some claim to be. We did not turn up for a docudrama, did we?

Yes, 'Warhorse One' has its issues, but it is more like going a little overboard with the narrative rather than the entire product being horrible. Looks like the filmmakers had plenty of budget concerning the cartridges because they never seem to end on either side! 

However, on the emotional aspect, this movie is more than just watchable. The chemistry between Athena and Johnny Strong, while being nowhere near something as in the movie 'Leon: The Professional', is still moving. The action sequences are also impressive and far from boring. 

The one major flaw, that probably prevents this movie from being declared brilliant, is the music, especially the BGM. On some occasions, it is fine, but in some places, it is a bit loud, even jarring. Some dialogues are almost drowned in the loud BGM. Thankfully, this flaw did not dominate the film. 

What's There?

• Some emotional sequences 

• Acting performances of Johnny Strong and Athena Turner

• Crisp action sequences that keep the narrative strong 

• No hammy action star tropes or presence of cliched 

What's Not There?

• Lack of consistency

• Loud background score

• Some bizarre sequences that were not required 

Verdict 

If you are a fan of slick, character-driven action dramas, 'Warhorse One' is something you should opt for. It might not be as great as 'Extraction' or ' 1917 Click to look into! >> Read More... ', but it is certainly not a boring affair. Also, if you are not a stickler for accuracy, you can enjoy this film!