Triple Frontier: Netflix Tackles Theatrical Action Flicks

Netflix's new star-studded action film Triple Frontier follows a group of ex-military men who plan to rob a drug cartel. Oscar Issac plays the role of Pope, a special -forces operative based near the triple frontier, who learns that the cartel kingpen Loria is hiding in a house in the jungle that has millions stashed in the walls. He sees this as an opportunity and decides to round up his old team for the job.

The film has had a rocky time during its development stage. At one-point Kathryn Bigelow was set to direct and the script had caught the attention of Tom Hardy, Will Smith, Johnny Depp and many others. The movie was also at a studio but then shifted over to Netflix which seems like the perfect place for this B-movie. It is forgettable but provides action for a night in when you need something to watch.

It fills all the necessary checks for a stereotypical "man movie." It has leads that are normally thought of as manly on a dangerous mission in attempt to stand up to the system that decided they were too old to continue their work. They continue to stress that the work they did for the country is worth much more than what they were given. All their violence is justified because they are going after bad people are to be the good guys.

Oscar Issac's Pope heads back to America in hopes of recruiting his old team. He tracks down Redfly (Ben Affleck) who gives off a tired and exhausted feel during his performance. He is reluctant to join Pope but has a weird inner conflict about his army days that feels unnecessary. The other characters lack any depth. Ironhead (Charlie Hunnam) has been doing PR for the military and his brother Ben fills his time with cage fighting. They all end up agreeing to the plan and set off to the jungle. Arguably Ben Affleck gives the best performance out of the four and has more material to work with.

The team efficiently robs the house in the jungle and collect their millions that they then take into their helicopter and ride over the mountains. Most of the film follows the team as they haul their earnings around on foot in the mountains to the beach. They must make it to their destination without getting killed or killing each other. The movie wants viewers to see these guys as good-hearted who miss their days in the military with the American flag on their uniforms. It doesn't feel like an action movie and loses its momentum as the film winds down. It is a "one last job" film that attempts to stand up to the system.