Braven (2018)

When you watch a movie starring Jason Momoa, you expect nothing. Other than Jason Momoa taking his shirt off, of course. So maybe it's because I had very low expectations or maybe it's actually a decent film, the thing is Braven wasn't bad at all. 

When he learns his father (Stephen Lang) has dementia, logger Joe Braven (Jason Momoa) decides to take him to their remote hunting cabin to talk and spend a quiet weekend. After arriving at the cabin, they find a stash of drug: it was hidden there by a group of drug runners led by the dangerous Kassen (Garret Dillahunt) who is now back for the drug. Joe and his father will be forced to take them down.

The plot is simple and kinda basic, it doesn't take any surprising turn or twist --seriously, it can't get any more predictable than this, who lives and who dies is totally predictable and you know what is going to happen and when-- and there are so many holes and nonsense going on --basically every action took by the characters lack in logic-- to make your head hurt if you think too much about it.

Given that, one would expect paper-thin character too. Well, that's not the case with Braven. At least, it's not the case with Braven's main character, Joe Braven. The writers took the time they needed to write a decent lead, a developed lead. Joe isn't only your typical tough die-hard action-hero, he is also a loving husband, father and son. Sure, he won't be the most developed character of the year, I mean, the man goes full Rambo mode with no background whatsoever to justify that, still the characterization gives the film a bit more depth.

Saban Films

And it gives Jason Momoa the chance to shine. Again, this is not an award-worthy performance but Momoa does a pretty good job both as the sweet man and the killing machine. Also, he's physically perfect for the role.

The cast is definitely the highlight of Braven. In addition to Momoa, Stephen Lang too does a pretty good job as Joe's sick father. The character is pretty weak but his portrayal is good enough to leave an impression. Also, Lang and Momoa have a nice father-and-son chemistry. Garret Dillahunt also does a nice job as the paper-thin bad guy.

The film is also nicely paced and has some decent action.