Movie Information
Release Date: December 2, 2016
Director: Dito Montiel
Writer: Adam G. Simon, Dito Montiel
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Jai Courtney, Gary Oldman, Tory Kittles, Clifton Collins Jr., Charlie Shotwell, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Justin Smith, Paul Sado, Pierre Kennel, Ned Yousef, Jaylen Moore, Ian Casselberry, Jim Klock, Bill O’Reilly, Kenzo Cervoni, Wole Parks, Zehra Fazal, Naz Deravian, Reem Kadem, Mustafa Haidari, Greg Vrotsos, Nick Jones Jr. Adrian Lockett, Christopher Berry, Kenny Williams
MPAA Rating: R
Runtime: 92 minutes
Production Company: Mpower Pictures, Krannel Pictures, Lionsgate Premiere
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Language: English
Country: USA
Budget: N/A
It doesn’t get any more serious than those who are suffering from PTSD. It’s a condition that flares up far too much for men and women that have fought for their country. For those that have gone through this, the level of appreciation for their sacrifice is infinite. That doesn’t mean a film can use it as a trump card to improve the quality of the film. Man Down had a clever title that ties in so well with the main character Gabriel Drummer (Shia LaBeouf), and it should’ve been left at that. Instead, it tries to force a bonding relationship with his son that has no real significance. LaBeouf’s performance is the only thing worth noting in this film, but it’s clouded by distracting editing bouncing back and forth between flashbacks, an alternate post-apocalyptic reality, and the present day. There’s a few twists and turns towards the end, but it’s all too late to salvage the sleeper it inevitably is.