Russell Crowe starred in Derrick Borte’s excellent “Unhinged” (my 5-star review) in 2020, but the COVID release date kept it from being appreciated. They’ve teamed up again with Crowe playing a nightclub owner whose ready to retire. Meanwhile, a man in debt (Aaron Paul) is desperate to pay it off and robs Crowe’s character, which sets off the plot. There’s also the guy who wants to buy the business (Luke Evans). All of this plays out without much dramatic tension or narrative surprise. Borte knows how to stage encounters with interesting vibes and there are enjoyable interactions. Crowe is having fun with his Albian accent and usual charisma, while the rest of the cast is equally effective. This isn’t as gripping as “Unhinged.” There’s constant pressure, but it doesn’t build to a satisfying conclusion in the plot or action. 2.5 out of 5.0 stars
