MISS BALA – “Rodriguez impresses in an actioner that could use more bite”
RATING
DIRECTOR
Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight - 2008)
STARRING
- Gina Rodriguez as Gloria Meyer
- Ismael Cruz Córdova as Lino
- Anthony Mackie as Dave
- Aislinn Derbez as Isabel
- Matt Lauria as Brian
- Cristina Rodlo as Suzu
- Ricardo Abarca as Pollo
- Thomas Dekker as Justin
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.
BOX OFFICE TOP 5
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
$5.4 million
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The Wild Robot
$4.3 million