Review of Sabotage (2014) by Maksim B — 27 Oct 2014

Undeservedly trashed by the majority of critics, Sabotage is a violent, raw action which is certainly not an award-worthy material, but provides what a typical David Ayer movie does: brutal action, simple cops-vs.-drugs related story and a solid leading character. Combined with one of the finest Arnold Schwarzenegger's performances since his return to acting, this movie is actually a good straight-forward action fun for home DVD entertainment.

Breacher (Arnold Schwarzenegger), is a respected leader of an expert DEA Task Team which is responsible for taking down different drug cartels. When they decide to get a small chunk of raid they are doing on a cartel, things go wrong as the money they stashed aside are lost. Under suspicion by the Federal Agencies and with the cartels looking for revenge, Breacher's team is put under tremendous pressure.

Without being original or really thrilling, Sabotage offers what a typical David Ayer's movie has to offer. Grim violence on streets flooded with drugs, corruption and the cartels' tentacles spread everywhere. With the presence of a solid leading actor in the face of Arnold Schwarzenegger and support from likeable cast starring Sam Worthington and Terrence Howard, Sabotage has just enough action power to keep the fans of the genre entertained. Even when the final twist is completely unconvincing and improbable, the fans violent action would be pleased. Speaking of Schwarzenegger, it should be pointed out that for the first time in ages he is actually acting. The story does not really allow him to show even more, but overall this comes as a total surprise for a Schwarzenegger movie.

Sabotage is definitely far from being a top-notch classic action or a thrilling cartels-fighting flick. Simpler, rawer and imperfect it is a perfectly forgettable delivery that serves its purpose to go well with several bears and a box of popcorn or chips. Avoid if you are not a fan of the genre or David Ayer; sit back and enjoy it if you are searching for Arnie in good shape and a loads of bloody violence.