Sicario (Rated C)
Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Daniel Kaluuya
Genre: Action Crime Drama
Dwight's Rating: 3.5 Stars
About once or twice a year -- usually only during the final quarter of the year, sadly -- there comes along a movie that can renew your faith in the art of filmmaking.
Regardless, and often in spite of the genre, that film can defy expectations and stereotypes, and highlight the deficiencies in other similar movies.
For me, the action film genre has essentially run its course. There apparently is indeed a limit to the number of explosions and bullet-riddled and/or bloody bodies that one can bear to see, especially in the absence of a sensible plot. Similarly, the crime drama genre these days is quite challenged. Honestly, when was the last time you were really surprised or even intrigued by any such film?
Of course, there are exceptions, and so far this year -- and even last year -- there were quite a few good examples of both these types of movies. But every once in a while, there is a real breakthrough, when all the elements come together -- superb casting, master-class acting, stellar scriptwriting, and impeccable directing -- for one truly fine film. "Sicario" is one such movie, covering all the bases -- an exciting story with a superb cast.
After rising through the ranks, idealistic FBI agent Kater Macer (Emily Blunt) receives a top assignment. Recruited by mysterious government official Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), Kate joins a task force for the escalating war against drugs. Led by the intense and shadowy Alehandro (Benicio Del Toro), the team travels back and forth across the U.S.-Mexican border, using one cartel boss to flush out a much bigger drug kingpin.
Where do I start with just how amazing this movie is? Well, how about right from the beginning? It kicks off with a bang, and from there, it only gets more intense with its action and drama. Yes, it's at times very violent, and there are graphic images of mutilated and beheaded bodies. But if you've watched the news recently, and if you've read anything about the drug wars in Northern Mexico, then it's not anything worse than what you've seen on your televisions at night.
Too many "action movie" directors, particularly those of summer blockbusters, just seem to take delight in finding new ways to commit cinematic murder. But screenwriter Taylor Sheridan and director Denis Villeneuve (who directed the underrated and wonderful "Prisoners") resist unnecessary brutality solely for the sake of action. Instead, they've crafted a well-balanced and focused drama, with excellent pacing, allowing us to actually get to learn about the characters, and their motivations, especially those of the stars Blunt and del Toro, who headline a truly fantastic ensemble.
Blunt, who can do no wrong, and excels in anything -- from comedy ("The Devil Wears Prada"), to action "("Edge of Tomorrow") -- shines brightly here, as a tough and complex woman surrounded by chauvinists. Other cast standouts are British actor Daniel Kaluuya as Blunt's partner, and Brolin, who's also pretty good as a snarky, shady and sorta slimy government agent. But the star of the show is del Toro. It feels like it's been a long time since we've seen this amazing actor, and clearly too long. That causes us to forget just how spectacular he is, and why he won that Oscar all the way back in 2000 for "Traffic".
In "Sicario", he steals every scene, even when he's silent -- which is often. But he's so good he doesn't have to say a word to capture your full attention. Oh, but when he does speak -- whether in English or Spanish -- it's magic!
To think that a movie about the fight against drugs can still be fresh and exciting, and keep you on the edge of your seat even in 2015, and after the aforementioned "Traffic", and the countless films before that and since, says quite a lot. It doesn't happen all that often these days, but the stars have aligned for "Sicario" -- a great film not to be missed.
o Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of "Morning Blend" on Guardian Radio. He is a television producer and writer, and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.
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