When was the last time you remember a solid, popcorn and dare I say “fun” film? Leaving alone the fact that most cinematic experiences can not be enjoyed the way they use to, at least Outside the Wire gives that feeling. Not a film with depth, there is enough heart to try and recreate the feeling of getting to see an action film like this on the big screen.
Anthony Mackie is no stranger to the hero/soldier/action star/fun guy role but he serves his best Mackie in this flick. He’s charismatic yet serious, has a contagious laugh, and always works well in a uniform. Leo, Mackie as an android officer, alongside humanoid Lt. Thomas Harp, Damson Idris, proceed on a mission to find a terrorist whose threat to the US stems back to the Cold War days. The relationship between both characters is hard to pinpoint. There’s trust but it’s vapid and quick, which could be excusable since it’s the armed forces, however, could have used a little more meat.
The action is definitely well defined in highlighting Mackie. In fact, it’s how they make Leo look strong versus the inexperienced Harp that gives the film the majority of its high impact moments. Seeing Harp stumble plays well to the point the film is trying to make about them both, they are very different. The similarity is only in how they translate emotions into their back story, which does tie them together well but not where you think it’s going.
Going in with little expectation is not always a negative. It gave me a chance to just sit back and watch something play out without having to dig deep in the crevices of my mind to find all the hidden gems. And to be honest, that was something I didn’t know I was missing in watching movies. Outside the Wire is worth its time and takes the viewer back to that movie theater feeling, which if you’re like me, we all miss.
The Verdict