Movie: Sicario

This Review Reveals Minor Details About the Plot.

Cutting Corners in a Seller's Market

Plot Overview

 The origin of the word sicario comes from the Roman zealots of Jerusalem. In Mexico it means “hit man”.

To a background roll of drums, an FBI SWAT team hits a suburban house in Chandler, AZ (“Don't move!”) producing a grim discovery (“WTF!”) of 42 bodies, which the news­paper dubs: "HOUSE OF HORRORS." Leader of said Kidnap Response Team, field agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) volunteers to liaise with other agencies who want an agent with tactical experience to go with them after the unknown jefe responsible for so much outrage.

First stop is Nogalez, Mexico via Luke AFB to extradite prisoner Guillermo Diaz (Edgar Arreola) for interro­gation on American soil. The plane ride down is uneventful (save for the lack of any food on board except salted peanuts), but the motorcade back is a blast. Intelli­gence gained leads them to visit “the beast Juárez” escorted there by Policía Federal, “giving us the opportunity to shake the tree and create chaos.” They also glean more intel from picked groups of wetbacks (“No hablo Inglés”), sending the rest away in the Home­land Security Bus.

This is interspersed with Mexican family life scenes of a boy bringing his loving father Silvio (Maximiliano Hernández) some huevos in bed, who despite working as a cop seems able to afford expensive digs. A recreational stop at the Wild Pony treats us to some country music: “This glass might be half empty/ But it won't be for long.” Kate gets picked up and is surprised when she “tried to have sex with my hit man.” Her team decides to save the discussion of R.O.E. (rules of engagement) until later.

Kate is part of the “diversion” in the next operation at the border. Her role is made clear, in that “the CIA can't operate within U.S. borders without being domestic­ally attached.” They don't trust the Policía Estatal who have been infiltrated. The R.O.E. is “weapons free.” Kate “went up the wrong tunnel” resulting in: “You saw things you shouldn't have seen.” She seems to be in over her head big time, telling them, “You can't do this.”

Ideology

Going into the dragon's lair to chop off its head is an example of, (Prov. 21:22) “A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.”

The necessity for Kate to keep mum about what she saw is an example of, (Prov. 21:23) “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

Production Values

This thriller, “”, was directed by (Canadian) Denis Villeneuve. It was written by Taylor Sheridan. It stars Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin. Supporting roles were played by Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya, Jeffrey Donovan, Raoul Trujillo, Julio Cesar Cedillo, and Bernardo Saracino. Benicia del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Josh Brolin all did great jobs acting. Del Toro's performance was smoldering as a mysterious adviser Alejandro. Emily Blunt excels here—as in nearly every­thing she touches. Brolin provides some weathered charm as her equally in the dark Department of Defense liaison Matt Graver.

MPAA rated it R for strong violence, grisly images, and language. It was filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It's 121 minutes long. Worthy of note is the music by Jóhann Jóhannsson, heavy on drums and bass. Eye–catching cinema­tog­raphy by Roger Deakins with some stunning aerial photography is flawless. His use of shadows, CGI, and manipulations to evoke emotions is gifted.

Review Conclusion w/ Christian Recommendation

The lead FBI character Kate is very sympathetic. Her mano a mano fight against a heavier male combatant realistically shows her over­matched despite her close combat training. She plays a straight woman on a covert op (“I want to follow some semblance of procedure!”) How much you enjoy this film depends on how engrossed you will be with a girl who “will not survive here. You are not a wolf, and this is a land of wolves.”

The DVD release is expected January, 2016.

Movie Ratings

Action factor: Edge of your seat action-packed. Suitability For Children: Not Suitable for Children of Any Age. Special effects: Well done special effects. Video Occasion: Fit For a Friday Evening. Suspense: Don't watch this movie alone. Overall product rating: Five stars out of five.