Sicario Review

     For decades the US government has waged a losing war on drugs, with most of the drugs making their way into the US by going through our border with Mexico. Obviously drug smuggling is illegal, but if there is a demand there will always be a supply. Cartels have popped up all over Mexico, and made it their business to supply. And with such big business, these cartels will defend their turf. Since 2006, over 100 thousand civilians, police officers, soldiers, federales, and cartel members have been killed. And there doesn't seem to be any signs of the violence slowing down. Some say the solution would be to legalize more drugs in the US, some say we need tighter border security and take military action against the cartels; but that's an argument above my pay grade. All I know is this war still has years left. One thing I've noticed is that this subject hasn't been touched very much by the film industry. While it's often a plot point crime shows, I can't think of a lot of Mexican drug war movies. So when I heard that a new movie involving this subject matter called "Sicario" was in the works, and was being directed by one of the best in the game Denis Villeneuve, I was immediately interested; especially after hearing reviews during its run at this year's Cannes film festival. 

     Kate Macer is an FBI agent working kidnappings in the southern United States. One day on a routine operation looking for some kidnapped victims, her and her team come upon a particularly grizzly scene. Shortly after she is approached by a DOD contractor named Matt Graver, who asks if she would like to be part of his team; whose job it is to take down high ranking cartel members. While unsure she ultimately agrees. The team's first mission involves heading south of the border, where they pick up a cartel member from a prison and bring him back to the states. They come into some trouble along the way, and deal with the situation using questionable methods. Macer soon realizes that Graver might not be who he says he is. Wrapped up in a bad situation, Macer searches for the truth while trying her best not to be killed in the crossfire. 

     At the start of every year I basically start the countdown until Oscar season which usually starts in late September, in my opinion "Sicario" is the first movie of Oscar season. From the pulse pounding opening scene to the heartfelt finale, this is simply one of the best movies of the year; and most the credit has to go to the director Denis Villeneuve. With 2013's "Prisoners" and last year's "Enemy," he has really established himself as one of the best directors currently working; and I would say "Sicario" is his crown jewel. He directed this movie with a gritty realism that gets under your skin. And the way he did the action scenes felt believable, and kept you on the edge of your seat. And the way he told the story was top notch. On paper it seems like a cut and dry drug-revenge film, but there are twists and turns at every stop. The story always keeps you guessing, you're never really sure what the characters are planning or what they'll do next. Almost every scene is intense and suspenseful, which brings me to the biggest and most blatant problem. There are a few scenes that are rather uninteresting. One particular scene when the main character goes to the bar, as well as a side story involving a Mexican cop, pale in comparison to the rest of the movie. While they have important story elements, you're just waiting until the suspense picks back up. A lot of credit for how this movie came together would also have to go to the cinematographer Roger Deakins. Known for his work on "No Country for Old Men" and "Skyfall," he really made sure every shot in this movie was perfect. I wouldn't be surprised if he won the Oscar for best cinematography. The movie also features a very fitting soundtrack, which complements every shot and scene and adds to the intensity. What most movie goers will remember from this movie would have to be the acting. Every single actor gives a great performance, with stars Emily Blunt and Josh Brolin both give some of the best performances of the career; but the real stand out would have to be Benicio del Toro. This movie features his best performance in years, and will for sure get him an Oscar nomination and maybe even a win for best supporting actor. I had high hopes for this movie from the first time I heard the premise. I wanted to believe with this director and this cast that "Sicario" would be one of 2015's best, and it is. It's one of the most intense movies I've seen in years, and it is a must watch for anyone planning on heading out to the theater anytime soon. 

Pros: Great performance from the entire cast, Oscar worthy performance from del Toro, Oscar worthy cinematography, several impressive action scenes, fantastic directing, fitting soundtrack, gritty realism, incredibly intense and suspenseful, keeps you guessing until the very end.

Cons: A few uninteresting scenes. 

4.5/5 Stars