Today’s quick review: 6 Underground. After a life-changing event, a billionaire (Ryan Reynolds) fakes his death and recruits a team of specialists (Melanie Laurent, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco, and Corey Hawkins) to take down the targets that world governments refuse to touch. For the team’s first mission, they set their sights on toppling Rovach Alimov (Lior Raz), the brutal dictator of Turgistan.
6 Underground is an action thriller from director Michael Bay. Ryan Reynolds stars as One, a quirky billionaire who left his old life behind so he could change the world. 6 Underground features stylized direction, black humor, breakneck pacing, and non-stop action from start to finish. The film delivers big stunts in bulk and even manages to put together an enjoyable story. However, 6 Underground is held back by its frantic and unfocused nature.
Tonally, 6 Underground is all over the map. The action sequences are chaotic and destructive, with flashy stunts, lots of collateral damage, and a devil-may-care attitude from One and his team. But there are a few times when the movie shifts gears into drama, abruptly switching from a fanciful romp to a conflict where actions have consequences. The effect is jarring whenever it happens, and it keeps the movie from ever truly finding its rhythm.
Tonal issues aside, 6 Underground makes for a fun watch. Ryan Reynolds is in fine form, cracking jokes at every opportunity, although One’s position as team leader is an odd fit for him. The rest of the team is fine but unexceptional: thin characters who help to vary up the action. Likewise, the story has some rough spots, especially when the movie tries to get too clever with its flashbacks, but it succeeds in its primary purpose of serving up action.
Give 6 Underground when you’re in the mood for an over-the-top action movie with creative stunts and relentless pacing. The movie has some clear flaws with its story, tone, and presentation style, but its combination of irreverent humor and raw spectacle still gives it plenty of appeal. Fans of pure action movies will have a good time with 6 Underground in spite of its flaws. Those looking for something smarter or more focused will want to skip it.
For a Ryan Reynolds action comedy with better humor and a narrower scope, check out The Hitman’s Bodyguard. For an action comedy that balances its tone better, check out RED. For another action movie about a rogue team of do-gooders, try The Losers or The A-Team.
6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for thrilling stunts held back by a jumbled overall vision.