Review of Missionary Man (2007) by Jason J — 12 Aug 2011

This movie is basically Pale Rider with Dolph Lundgren in the Clint role. He plays a mysterious man named Ryder, who rolls into a quiet small town to attend a friend's funeral. Before you can say "trouble" he's already figured out that a rich young jackass is running the place and is behind the friend's death. The rest of the first and second act is taken up with the plight of the Indians who live in the town. Unfortunately, as a result of that part of the story, the middle act drags a little. However, a rousing final act, where a gang of bikers turn up to foolishly stop Dolph, kick-starts the picture back to life.

The high noon showdown is bloody. Not Rambo bloody, but bloody nonetheless. One poor soul even takes a 12 gauge shotgun to the face! It's these scenes that show Dolph has an understanding of action greater than his rivals. If Stallone's enjoying a cinematic action rebirth, Dolph's enjoying a DTV rebirth. Fans of Lundgren will feel right at home with this one, but don't go expecting massive explosions and choreographed martial arts sequences.

The look of the film is also noticeable. Lundgren has bathed the film is a dark sepia look and the music is subtle and underused.