In 2024’s action thriller Long Gone Heroes, Frank Grillo once again takes center stage, delivering his most notable performance since Boss Level (2020). Directed by John Swab, who has previously collaborated with Grillo on several projects, the movie attempts to combine intense action sequences with a story rooted in the political turmoil of Venezuela. While it succeeds in creating thrilling moments, it falters in offering much beneath the surface.
Plot Analysis
The story follows Gunner (Frank Grillo), a former special forces soldier who abandoned his country, faith, and sense of hope. He is drawn back into action after his niece, Julia (Eden Brolin), a journalist, is kidnapped while reporting in Venezuela. Julia’s mother, Olivia (Melissa Leo), a United States Governor, suspects that her daughter’s abduction is tied to her dangerous connections with a Venezuelan drug lord, Roman (Andy Garcia).
The film takes advantage of Venezuela’s political instability as its backdrop, framing the setting with an air of realism while avoiding overt political commentary. The plot is straightforward—Gunner assembles a team of mercenaries to infiltrate hostile territory and rescue his niece, with more complications arising along the way. While this narrative framework is familiar, it remains serviceable for a movie that prioritizes action over nuanced storytelling.
Character Exploration
At the heart of the movie is Gunner, who carries the weight of his military past and personal regrets throughout the film. Grillo’s portrayal of this grizzled, reluctant hero is one of the movie’s stronger points. He is stoic yet determined, offering a classic action hero archetype. However, the character’s development is relatively thin. We see flashes of emotional depth as he reconnects with his humanity, but these moments are overshadowed by the film’s action-heavy focus.
Supporting characters like Josh Hutcherson’s David, the tech specialist, and Beau Knapp’s West, Gunner’s loyal ally, add layers to the story, though they, too, are somewhat underdeveloped. Hutcherson’s portrayal of the awkward but resourceful David provides much-needed comic relief, and Knapp’s subtle performance brings an air of quiet resilience. However, the film doesn’t spend much time exploring their backgrounds, leaving the audience wanting more from these side characters.
Andy Garcia’s portrayal of Roman, the film’s antagonist, is disappointingly brief. While Garcia is a talented actor capable of bringing gravitas to villainous roles, Long Gone Heroes never gives him the opportunity to fully develop into a compelling antagonist. His character’s motivations are murky, and he lacks the menace one might expect from a drug lord embroiled in international intrigue.
Visuals and Cinematography
Visually, Long Gone Heroes has its high points. Cinematographer Brandon Cox does a solid job of capturing the gritty urban landscapes of Venezuela, blending them with the chaotic action that unfolds. The film’s action sequences, while not groundbreaking, are effectively shot, with an emphasis on in-camera stunts and practical effects. One of the standout moments includes a brutal hand-to-hand fight between Gunner and Mekhi Phifer’s Moreao, a psychotic henchman.
Despite these strong points, the pacing of the film can be uneven. Much of the action is delayed until the second half, which may test the patience of viewers expecting a more fast-paced thrill ride from the beginning. The first hour spends too much time setting up the geopolitical stakes and showcasing Venezuela’s instability, information that could have been conveyed more concisely.
Themes and Messages
At its core, Long Gone Heroes touches on themes of loyalty, redemption, and the moral gray areas of warfare. Gunner’s journey reflects the emotional toll that military service takes on those who live it, as well as the ethical dilemmas faced by those who engage in covert operations in unstable regions. Unfortunately, the film never fully explores these themes in a meaningful way.
The political backdrop of Venezuela, with its corruption and violence, adds a sense of realism but is treated superficially. The movie briefly touches on the consequences of oil exploitation and the role of private contractors in geopolitical conflicts, but these ideas are not explored with enough depth to leave a lasting impact.
Comparisons to Similar Films
When compared to other recent action films, Long Gone Heroes feels like a throwback to the ‘80s and ‘90s era of straight-to-video action thrillers. Movies like Extraction (2020) and The Gray Man (2022) offer similar action-packed narratives with more polished visuals and character development. While Long Gone Heroes may not reach the same level of sophistication or scale, it shares a nostalgic charm reminiscent of older action films like Rambo: First Blood Part II.
However, where Extraction excelled in crafting heart-pounding, long-take action sequences, and where The Gray Man managed to blend action with compelling character work, Long Gone Heroes struggles to find a balance between the two. The result is a film that entertains but ultimately feels formulaic and forgettable.
Directing and Conclusion
Director John Swab’s work on Long Gone Heroes is competent, but the film lacks the flair needed to elevate it above standard action fare. Swab’s stripped-down approach to filmmaking is reminiscent of Walter Hill’s no-nonsense style, focusing more on the mission than on the characters behind it. This works to an extent, but it also leaves the audience craving more emotional depth and complexity.
The movie’s pacing issues, coupled with its underdeveloped characters and predictable plot, prevent it from reaching its full potential. That being said, it’s not without its merits. Fans of Frank Grillo and action films will appreciate the intense combat scenes and the film’s nostalgic nods to action films of the past.
Final Verdict: A Solid, If Unspectacular, Action Thriller
Long Gone Heroes may not be a groundbreaking entry in the action genre, but it offers enough well-executed action sequences and charismatic performances to make it worth watching. Frank Grillo shines as the film’s lead, and the supporting cast, particularly Josh Hutcherson, adds some much-needed personality. However, the film’s slow pacing, lackluster villain, and underdeveloped themes keep it from being a standout.
For fans of action thrillers and Frank Grillo’s body of work, Long Gone Heroes is worth checking out, but it may not linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
If you’re a fan of action-packed films with solid performances, Long Gone Heroes might be your next movie night pick! Check out the trailer here and explore where to watch it here. For more action-packed film recommendations, visit our curated list of best-rated movies here.
