By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"Bad Hombres," from director
John Stalberg Jr. ("Muzzle") is a gritty, B-movie that's not bad at all. The film features an eclectic cast that includes
Nick Cassavetes, Luke Hemsworth and Tyrese Gibson. Although it's a tried-and-true crime thriller involving drug cartels, revenge and even redemption, it hits a bit different than most and even tosses in a few unexpected twists along the way.
The movie centers around Felix (Diego Tinoco, "Muzzle") an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador searching for the American Dream. He's made his way across the border, but his wife and family are still in Ecuador.
Felix hopes to bring them to America, but first he has to make some money. Labor jobs are scarce for him and his cousin.
While at a hardware store Felix is approached by an Australian guy named Donnie (Luke Hemsworth, TV's "Westworld") who gets Felix out of a bit of a jam when he’s racially profiled by a store clerk.
It turns out that Donnie needs some skilled laborers to dig some holes at a remote location. He offers Felix a nice chunk of change to do the work. Donnie's arm is in a sling. That should have been the first red flag, but Felix doesn't care. He needs the cash and agrees to take the job. Felix even persuades a jerk with a truck named Alfonso (a terrific Hemky Madera, TV's "The Lincoln Lawyer" and "The Mandalorian") to go with him on the assignment. Alfonso agrees because he needs the money too, but he doesn’t want anything to do with Felix. They barely talk to each other on the way to the site.
As soon as Felix and Alfonso arrive, so does trouble. When Donnie's "Uncle" Steve (Paul Johansson, "Muzzle") shows up and they have a disagreement over their plan, Felix and Alfonso soon realize the holes they're digging are actually for some dead cartel members. It's not looking good that Felix and Alfonso will make it out alive either. But, then again, you should never underestimate guys with huge shovels in their hands. Alfonso and Felix take their best swings at Steve and Donnie and manage to get away in their car, but not before Felix is shot in the leg.
Now, these two have to trust each other. Alfonso has a troubled past that comes to light, but he also has a slew of connections. They include a junkyard mechanic (Thomas Jane, “One Ranger" and "Dig"), who hooks them up with a muscle car and a shady veterinarian (a funny Nick Cassavetes, "Yesteryear") who is tasked with patching up Felix's leg.
Meanwhile, there is another wrinkle to the story when a cartel middleman (Tyrese Gibson, Upcoming "Bosco") appears intent on finding Felix, Alphonso, some hidden money, and the other bad hombres.
"Bad Hombres" has a "killer" ending. Overall, it is a surprising and riveting guilty pleasure that's
in theaters and On Demand Jan. 26. It will also be available on
DVD March 12.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"BAD HOMBRES"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
