Review by John Delia
In the movie business it’s hard to make a hitman thriller with something new and exciting. The Rhythm Section gives it a try and actually does put a twist on the popular genre. In the place of a male protagonist a female takes the lead in a quest for revenge and settling the score. What makes this film nicely different is Blake Lively the sweetheart of TV’s “Gossip Girl†who goes from dainty to dangerous. If you like James Bond thrillers, try The Rhythm Section now on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD, VOD.
Still dismayed and can’t come to grips with the loss following an airline explosion that killed her parents and two other members of her family, Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) has longed for the truth about what happened aboard the flight. With the revelation that it was an explosion caused by a terrorist bombing, she seeks out information on who was responsible and finds out that he’s never been caught.
When she starts a paper trail that leads to Lain Boyd (Jude Law), he decides to help Stephanie with his contacts to the underworld of which he had been a part. It’s the beginning of a treacherous climb that will put herself in danger and possible death as the bodies start mounting up. Director Reed Morano, most noted for his work with HULU’s “The Handmaid’s Taleâ€, does a terrific job of setting his audience up for a thrill ride as Stephanie travels around England with revenge and redemption on her mind. His scenes are explosive, exciting, compelling and pulsating as the young woman disregards the risks and danger.
What really makes this film work is the performance by Blake Lively as the woman who at first would not swat a fly, then after her first kill in self-defense, she fights with reckless abandoned. Feeling her life is not worth living until she gets a chance at one of the most hated killers, her Stephanie uses everything that Lain Boyd teaches her, right up to a fight to the finish. Blake’s really not an Angelina Jolie, Milla Jovovich or even Olga Kurylenko, but more of a Scarlet Johansson type coming out of nowhere to fill the shoes of an action actor needed to go from ordinary to extraordinary.
BONUS FEATURES: Even though you may feel like watching the following extras before turning on the movie, don’t there are many spoilers.
“Stephanie’s Journey†an look at Stephanie through the eyes of actors Blake Lively and Raza Jaffrey as she works her way through the film.
“Fight or Flight†Director Reed Morano and other show how they choreographed the fight scenes in the film including the brutal one between Blake Lively and Jude Law. The camera work is excellent.
“Never Leave Second Gear†how they created and filmed the exciting chase scene. Amazing! Probably the best special feature ever.
“One Shot Explosion: Step by step in arming the bus to be exploded and the actors involved in the onetime shot. Incredible to see the explosion with Blake Lively in the dangerous scene.
“Designing ‘The Rhythm Section’†Locations director and set decorates talk about their choices and the looks of the sets.
“Deleted and Extended Scenes†six additional scenes not in the movie
The Rhythm Section has been rated R by the MPAA for violence, sexual content, language throughout, and some drug use. So be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for youngsters.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good time for thriller fans with a very gutsy storyline and some excellent Bonus Features. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Mays. Max Casella, Raza Jaffrey, Richard Blake, Geoff Bell, Ivana Basic
Directed by: Reed Morano
Genre: Action, Mystery, Drama
MPAA Rating: R for violence, sexual content, language throughout, and some drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 49 min.
Video Release Date: April 28, 2020
Original Theatrical Release Date: January 31, 2020
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Video: 1080p HD
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Distributed by: Paramount
Released on: Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD, VOD