ABC Film Challenge – Thriller – W – We Die Young (2019) Movie Review
Director: Lior Geller
Writer: Lior Geller (Screenplay) Andrew Friedman (Story)
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, David Castaneda, Elijah Rodriguez, Nicholas Sean Johnny, Charlie MacGechan, Joana Metrass
Plot: Lucas, a 14-year-old boy inducted into the gang life in Washington, D.C., is determined that his 10-year-old brother won’t follow the same path. When an Afghanistan war veteran comes into the neighbourhood, an opportunity arises.
Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: We Die Young starts as 14-year-old Lucas (Rodriguez) goes about his drug dealing routine. He works for Rincon (Castaneda) a ruthless drug lord operating in Washington D.C. When Lucas catches his younger brother Miguel (Johnny) starting to get into the dealing world. He looks to stop this, making sure he completes his education.
Rincon isn’t happy with this, ordering his mean out to kill Lucas. Daniel (Van Damme) a war veteran reluctantly helps Lucas and Miguel, setting up a turf war between two sides. As he looks to help the pair escape.
Thoughts on We Die Young
We Die Young is an action crime thriller, taking place on the harsh streets of Washington D.C. The gangs control these streets, recruiting at a young age, like Lucas. Rincon runs the gang with a ruthless nature, punishing anyone who crosses him. He strikes fear into the neighbourhood, as he continues to grow his operation. Daniel is a war veteran who needs the drugs for his pain. He keeps to himself around the neighbourhood, watching over the weak. Daniel will help the two young boys on the run, using his military training to make sure they are safe.
This story will bring together the unlikely hero in the eyes of the neighbourhood. Becoming the protector of the people in danger. Van Damme plays this role easily, without needing to say a word. The gang members are as aggressive as the film needs. Proving to be loose cannons when it comes to dealing with anyone. The two young stars prove the desperation to escape is the most important part, of an abandoned system.
When it comes to the action, we get a great opening chase, with a shock death involved. When the rest gets unleashed, it is more gunfire, which does all it needs to. Showing the numbers chasing the boys.
Final Thoughts – We Die Young is a by the numbers action thriller, with an older protector appearing from the neighbourhood.