Rebel Ridge
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Prime Video's Reacher was one of the best reboots of a book series. Alan Ritchson managed to embody the character created by Lee Child. As the series continues onto new heights, other productions hope to tap into the concept of the one-man justice factory. Writer/director Jeremy Saulnier (True Detective) delivers another Walking Tall-inspired storyline that shows no one should take a man riding a bike or walking into town for granted.
Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) only has to bail his cousin out of jail on his mind as he rides into Shelby Springs. Yet, as he enters the township, the former Marine is rammed by two local police officers. They seize the cash from his bag, which is meant to be used for his cousin’s bail and for the pair to purchase a truck. When Terry finally does arrive at the town’s courthouse, he is stonewalled by everyone except for the court clerk, Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), who tries to help him get the paperwork underway as he tries to get the funds back. In a desperate attempt to get the money for his cousin, he goes to the police station to report the situation. Still, he is confronted by police chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson) and told he would have to return later to get his money. This action leads to a series of events that causes the close-quarters combat expert to take matters into his own hands, which will lead to a personal war between him and the local police force.
Everything about the story behind the actions of this small town has a familiar air to them. Still, enough twists are added to each character to make things interesting for the viewer. Aaron Pierre leads the way with the quietly powerful performance that mixes Reacher and Rambo with a whiff of Denzel Washington added in for fun. Despite obvious plot holes and lethargic points along the way, Pierre manages to hold on for the ride and delivers a strong lead. Don Johnson does his best to play the corrupted police chief, even though he cannot compare Pierre’s sheer presence and intensity. As she tries to shake her child actress persona, AnnaSophia Robb makes for an effectively tragic element that continues to draw the transient central character back into the action.
Rebel Ridge is predictable, overly long and riddled with story gaps that keep it from rivalling the many films that have come before it. Still, Aaron Pierre manages to move from the shadows of other stars and is allowed to shine on his own in this Netflix production. For those viewers looking for a taste of action and revenge, the township of Shelby Springs will fill that need and then some.
Reel Dialogue: How can we trust that justice will be done?
One of the key themes of modern action films is the notion that we must take justice into our own hands. Law enforcement, the judicial system, and even God seem to be questioned about their ability to administer justice properly. How can we know that justice will prevail in this world? Thankfully, despite the most desperate of situations, there are answers to these questions, and the role of righteous judge has been taken.
What does the Bible have to say about justice?
Isaiah 30:18 - Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
