‘Alarum’ Review: Sylvester Stallone Enlivens a Dull Spy Film

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As a passionate advocate for engaging films, I must admit that the tale spun in “Alarum,” Lionsgate’s latest espionage thriller, resonates with me, given its familiar cinematic trope – the romantic entanglement of spies. The narrative echoes several movies I’ve seen before, but it stirs memories of the opening act of “Spy Kids” (2001), particularly the captivating bedtime story narrated by Carla Gugino to her delightful offspring. Regrettably, “Alarum,” directed by Michael Polish and written by Alexander Vesha, lacked the enchanting charm that Robert Rodriguez’s debut installment of the Spy Kids franchise brought to life.

The film “Alarum” certainly possesses potential, but perhaps it could benefit from more screen time and a stronger chemistry with co-star Sylvester Stallone. Additionally, the captivating performance of Willa Fitzgerald as “Strange Darling” could have been utilized more effectively. Regardless, if you’re seeking an engaging 90-minute escape filled with action, “Alarum” might serve as a suitable diversion from the harshness of reality.

Working a Deadly Job…on Vacay

A first-rate spy film is always an exciting experience, and with Clint Eastwood back with his guns, as seen in his previous Lionsgate production “1992“, the odds seem to favor a compelling conclusion. The story begins with Joe (Eastwood) and Laura (Fitzgerald), a contented married couple on a winter getaway, but it’s nothing like the luxury resort depicted in “The White Lotus“. If your screen appears washed-out while watching “Alarum“, that’s an intentional decision by director Polish to create a frosty, suspenseful atmosphere for the espionage plot.

Absolutely, it becomes clear to the audience that Laura and Joe are actually spies, disguised as ordinary citizens during their supposed vacation. They share meals with another seemingly content couple and weave intricate tales about their pasts, finding amusement in concocting false details. For example, Laura might casually mention during dinner that “Joe has OCD” for a laugh, and then they’d go on to fabricate their romantic history from there.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but find myself immersed in the tale where our characters find tranquility at a foreign getaway, miles away from their American homeland. Yet, isn’t it always unfortunate when leisure time is disrupted by unwanted turmoil? It seems that Laura may have anticipated Joe’s predicament, as she might have been privy to the chaotic events brewing – manifested through a ruthless, cross-border team orchestrated by a smooth-talking, bilingual mastermind named Orlin, portrayed by none other than Mike Colter from Marvel’s Luke Cage.

Mike Colter’s a Good Villain, Sylvester Stallone Is a Fun Surprise

Orlin makes a dramatic entrance at the party accompanied by thugs, in search of a vital hard drive that might link Joe and Laura. Is it possible that Laura arranged this vacation as a covert plan to neutralize a notorious antagonist? After being out of the spy game for five years, have they secretly abandoned their U.S. agency and joined Alarum, a clandestine group of renegade spies instead?

Upon learning about Orlin’s violent attack from his previous boss, Ronald Burbridge (D.W. Moffett), it becomes necessary to bring in an experienced agent to intervene and resolve the situation. Stepping into the role is Sylvester Stallone as Chester, a straightforward tough guy with quick-witted banter, who jumps on a helicopter and heads straight for the freezing location to locate Joe and determine if the Alarum rumors are valid. Does he need to team up with the intelligence operative to confront Orlin’s heavily armed crew, or possibly eliminate Joe as a possible threat?

More Stallone & Fitzgerald, Please

In a way that seems like Chester, Stallone’s character, might have rewritten his lines on set, it appears as if the Oscar-nominee took the script into his own hands. The late entry of his character in the thriller is understandable, but the fact that his witty banter, reminiscent of Tulsa King, only truly stands out in a select few scenes, is quite unfortunate. A noteworthy moment occurs when Chester finally bonds with Eastwood’s Joe, and in the midst of the resort under fire, Chester seizes the vodka bottle from Joe’s hotel room. When Joe questions, “Are you really going to drink before a shootout?”, Chester retorts, “I can’t think of a better moment to have a drink.

In addition, fans of Marvel will likely appreciate Colter’s portrayal of Luke Cage from his popular Netflix series and could find it intriguing to see this former superhero adopt a European accent in Alarum. He delivers an entertaining villainous role, but the plot is somewhat confusing as it becomes weighed down by complicated double-crossings, puzzling hidden agendas, and other complications.

After her stunning performance in the recent hit movie “Strange Darling“, Fitzgerald is back, but unfortunately, fans of the thriller might be underwhelmed by the limited screen time she gets here. Despite their impressive display of handling various high-powered weapons throughout the short span of “Alarum“, you may finish the movie feeling that these four gifted actors deserved a more substantial and optimistic script for future projects.

From Lionsgate, Alarum will be released in theaters, on demand, and on digital January 17.

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2025-01-13 21:05