John Henry

This Netflix rip-off of Walking Tall takes from many sources but presents nothing new to see. Terry Crews and Ludacris Bridges lead this cast alongside Jamila Velazquez, Ken Foree, Tyler Alvarez and Joseph Julian Soria. The movie screamed for a more realistic approach, and failed in its attempt to blend of mythos, comedy, symbolism, and drama. The sex trafficking and senseless murders want to bare importance to the movie but falls short. Ludacris' character, makeup, as well as his back story, is indeed ludicrous. You'll wonder why Terry Crews isn't dead by the middle of the movie, while not believing his back story as a retired street thug that cries with a heart. Even with no sleeves equipt with muscles and a frown, there is no belief that Terry Crews would save the hood in Cali from the devil called Hell.

I love the symbolism in this film, but that's where it ends. There is intended meaning behind a strong black man from the hood who doesn't need or use guns. The films writing doesn't connect as well as the tone of the film. The action is on par with a "for tv" edited Steven Segal movie. The movie soundtrack by DJ Quick made the film feel more Californian authentic where the actors couldn't. The John Wick dog scene in the opening of the film was extremely unnecessary to the entire plot, as was BJ's demise, and the Honduran refugees. Its a quick watch with the film almost having a style it couldn't firmly grasp throughout. 

I rate this film: Almost Entertaining with 2.5/5 movie tickets

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