Bullet Points: Beyond the Law (2019)

When I heard Steven Seagal, DMX and Johnny Messner had a new action movie coming out, I had to review it. Beyond the Law is now out on VOD, and I have some Bullet Points to help you decide if it is worth your time.

• Out for Justice: Johnny Messner plays an ex-cop alcoholic living in the woods. His life is turned upside down when he learns his estranged son has been murdered. The killer is Steven Seagal’s son. Seagal is the ruthless monster trying to teach his own son the tricks of the bad guy trade. The son isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, and he doesn’t do things that make Daddy Seagal proud. This is kinda cool because Beyond the Law’s plot lines are mirror images of each other. Two dads. Two sons. Both dads will never win Father of the Year. Both will do anything to protect and avenge those they love the most. And, if you’re wondering about DMX, he’s the cop caught in the middle.

• Above the Law: We as action movie aficionados know Steven Seagal has a reputation for being extremely lazy in his recent work. Gone are the days of badass Kendo and Aikido. Today, we have Seagal mostly sitting or not moving much. He’s never in a hurry. I will say he enjoys a good cigar in Beyond the Law. I counted 6 of them. He also sits down during most of his smokes. He doesn’t get too much exercise. His goatee looks painted, his nose and glasses are on full display and he speaks with an odd New York / New Orleans accent. It is like he forgot if he’s trying to find Richie or the closest Gumbo restaurant. Please don’t expect Under Siege Seagal. You will be highly disappointed.

• Hard to Kill: If you’re expecting non-stop action, you might be let down. I thought this was going to be a rumble, but it is more of a question and answer action film. Johnny Messner spends the majority of the movie mumbling / talking to people. He’s trying to get the answers to why his son was murdered. When Messner does have an action scene, it is close quarters combat, and this is smart, because CQC is Messner’s strength. Director James Bressack is normally known for horror, so big props to him for giving action a go. There’s a few scenes which remind me of a horror flick. They involve Messner seeing dead people.

• Marked for Death: The screenplay is solid, and I’m sure it has to do with the reliable action writing of Chad Law. He’s one of the co-writers along with Johnny Martin Walters. Which one of y’all wrote the Gizmo and Soup jokes? I know you as the readers are wondering about DMX. I’m glad he’s staying out of trouble and is back acting. DMX plays the type of cop you would expect DMX to play. I’ll give too much away if I say anything else. I was most impressed with Bill Cobbs. He steals the film and is the MVP. Also, look out for a cameo from Patrick Kilpatrick and Sean Kanan aka Mike Barnes from Bad Boy Karate plays one of the goons. I couldn’t believe it when I saw Mike. His role should’ve been bigger. We have a lot of stripper music, but without any strippers dancing on poles. What’s up with that? The biggest problem: Seagal’s ego doesn’t let the film end in the way I believe it should’ve ended. Maybe I’m wrong, but I doubt it. The readers of BPA are a smart group, so I’m pretty sure you know exactly what kind of movie you’re getting into if you decide to watch.

Congrats! You have unlocked Bonus Bullet Points!!

• My Final Verdict: Beyond the Law is more of a $1 Redbox rental than a VOD purchase. 
• Where’s Charlie Sheen and Michael Madsen?: This is your daily reminder to watch the 1993 biker flick, also titled, Beyond the Law. 
• But Wait There’s More: Check out my video review below…