MISS BALA – “Rodriguez impresses in an actioner that could use more bite”

Miss-Bala

RATING

DIRECTOR

Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight - 2008)

STARRING

SYNOPSIS

Based on the 2011 Mexican film of the same name

Gloria, makeup artist from Los Angeles, visits her best friend in Tijuana, Mexico. While there, Gloria gets kidnapped and is forced to smuggle laundered money for a drug cartel. Gloria must turn the tables on everyone, including the DEA, to escape and find a power she never knew she had.

REVIEW SUMMARY

When it comes to Miss Bala, Gina Rodriguez impresses in a rather schlocky actioner that could use more bite. When dealing with subject matters like drug smuggling, sex trafficking, border security and police corruption, a rock-hard edge is required to make it all believable. This movie doesn't have that (this ain't Sicario folks). Sure things get somewhat gritty at times, but it never reaches the sense of danger you’d expect. Surely the PG 13 rating didn't do the filmmakers any favours. Rodriguez on the other hand, proves herself a great heroine and is effortlessly “rootable” from the second she appears on screen. Fingers crossed we get to see her kick butt again soon enough - just don't expect it to be in a Miss Bala sequel.

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