Bullet Points: Riders of Justice
It is hard not to like Mads Mikkelsen. He is one of the most versatile actors working today. I admire how effortlessly Mads goes from acting in features in his native Denmark, to starring in big time Hollywood productions. Today, we will look at one of Mads’ films from Denmark, Riders of Justice.
- Tell Me More: Riders of Justice features Mads as the lead. I would describe his character, Markus, as a badass sumbitch. He is a solider forced to deal with the tragic loss of his wife. She died in a train explosion and Markus is suddenly raising his teenaged daughter on his own. The action heats up when Otto, a survivor of the train crash, informs Markus that he believes the explosion on the train was not a tragic accident. Otto is convinced the evidence points directly to the notorious biker gang, the Riders of Justice. Now, it is time for Markus to offer up some sweet vengeance on the Riders of Justice. Will justice prevail? Or will everything be for nothing?
- Revenge of the Nerds: Mads might be a badass, but he is not the only good guy. He is assisted by Otto, Lennart and Emmenthaler. These 3 are not your stereotypical hero types. They look and act like unkempt nerds. Can I still call someone a nerd in 2021? Otto has a limp arm and has not shaved or combed his hair in at least 15 years. Lennart is a Spaceman that has never traveled to Space and Emmenthaler compares Mads’ badassery to his own French horn expertise. These guys are not going to win a lot of fights with their muscles. However, they are very smart. Perhaps, too smart for their own good? The plan is for these 3 to figure out where the Riders will be next and Mads will show up and start killing them one by one. If this is not justice, I do not know what is?
- The Action: Riders of Justice will surprise some of the loyal readers of Bulletproof Action. It has more action and heart than you would think. The body count is high. A lot of baddies get what is coming to them. Mads’ Markus is the quintessential definition of a One Man Army. He shoots to kill, not to wound. I would hate to be on his shit list. Riders of Justice also features one of my favorite final shootouts in recent memory. The acting is beyond phenomenal. This is a movie that makes you think. I did wonder where the police where during Markus’ rampage of justice? We do not have the same police presence as the last Dutch movie I reviewed, Enforcement. I guess the action occurred in the wrong neighborhood. Still, Riders of Justice is a must see movie.
Bonus Bullet Points…
- Ho Ho Ho: If you ever wanted to see Mads Mikkelsen in a Christmas sweater, then Riders of Justice is definitely a movie for you.
- Season 4: Can we please get another season of Hannibal? Pretty please.
- Where can I see it?: Magnet Releasing will release Riders of Justice in NY and LA theaters on May14th and everywhere else on May 21st.
- Also starring: If you are not from Denmark, perhaps you are unfamiliar with the rest of the cast. Also starring are Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Lars Brygmann and Nicolas Bro
- Grade: A-
