Hounds of War movie review: Does it fall short of action?

Hounds of War, set to be released on September 20, 2024, will entertain with intense battle scenes and storytelling. Directed by Isaac Florentine, the film features Frank Grillo as Ryder, a mercenary seeking revenge after his team is wiped out on a mission.

Ryder, the protagonist in Hounds of War, is the only survivor of a team of top mercenaries dispatched on a mission. Although the movie's pacing and editing could keep viewers from developing an emotional connection with the characters, the story centers on Ryder's search for revenge for his slain friends.

Although action scenes abound, the movie might have needed a strong backdrop, which limits its ability to arouse any true sense of loss about Ryder's team to meet its demise. Audiences cannot relate to the path of vengeance that follows due to this lack of emotional depth.

Although Hounds of War has the components of an action-packed movie, its erratic plot and lack of character development beg a significant issue: can a movie rely just on action without a strong story?

The response is simple —no. The film turns what might have been an interesting war drama could be a forgettable experience with much to be desired in both character arcs and plot execution.

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Hounds of War: The plot and fall of Ryder’s team

The Hounds of War opens with Ryder being called back for one last mission, against his intended retirement.

Although his mercenaries are renowned for their abilities, their introduction takes place quickly. Following an exuberant reunion, the team sets off on a mission that rapidly becomes a lethal trap.

Ryder is the only one left standing when one by one the mercenaries fall. This mission turns out to be a deliberate setup meant to wipe out the group.

However, the film’s failure to introduce the characters in depth weakens the impact of their deaths. As Ryder starts his revenge mission, viewers may feel indifferent, as the lack of backstory and connection to the fallen mercenaries makes their loss feel hollow.

The emotional weight that should have driven the narrative falls flat, leaving Ryder’s quest for vengeance less impactful than it could have been.

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A disappointing emotional core

The emotional crux of Hounds of War hinges on Ryder's relationship with his brother, who sacrifices himself during the mission. This moment is replayed several times through flashbacks, attempting to stir the audience's emotions.

However, the lack of sufficient buildup to this pivotal event prevents the movire from achieving the emotional depth necessary to elevate the plot. The brother’s death, although meant to be the catalyst for Ryder’s revenge, might not connect as strongly as it should.

Following an IMDb rating of 6.2 out of 10, the movie attempts a balance between action and emotion. However, it may seem that the emotional stakes find it difficult to keep pace with the numerous battle scenes.

This imbalance may leave the strength of Ryder’s motivation and leave viewers disconnected from the character's journey.

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The ending: A missed opportunity

Although it doesn't quite live up, the grand finale of Hounds of War strives to be Ryder's quest for retribution and ends in a run-on confrontation with the trap planners. Yet, unlike the rest of the movie, the last confrontation lacks the suspense and intensity one would have from a film based on a revenge story.

The action may seem hurried, and the resolution may fall short of the required closure for the narrative. Ryder might reach his target, but because of its hurried ending, the movie leaves viewers disappointed.

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The aftermath of the trap

The film attempts to add layers of suspense as Ryder reveals the reality behind the betrayal of the mission.

These disclosures, though, come too late to save the story. The movie has already lost an emotional hold on the viewers by the time Ryder finds out who assembled his team.

The betrayals seem obvious, and the last act lacks the dramatic force needed to save the story.

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Malta's scenic beauty: A saving grace

An outstanding feature of Hounds of War is its exquisite setting. The film highlights the remarkable architecture and landscapes of Malta, with a visually engaging experience amidst the otherwise rather uninspiring action sequences.

The picturesque scenes, albeit beautiful, seem incongruous in a film that should give precedence to the development of characters and narrative rather than visual decoration.

With its action-packed plot, Hounds of War presents an intriguing narrative. Ryder's portrayal by Frank Grillo lacks emotional nuance, and the hurried introduction of the mercenaries deprives the viewers of the chance to get to know them before they die.

Although the film's gorgeous views of Malta offer some visual respite, overall it lacks the intensity or emotional involvement. In the end, Hounds of War may turn out to be a lost chance since viewers yearn for a better narrative to go with its action.