Bombs, Ghost, and Gunfire

     Is there anything more obviously created by Michael Bay than a movie that is has more bombs and explosions than dialogue and plot sense? Directed by Michael Bay and released in 2019 by Netflix, 6 Underground was suppose to be an action thriller that had an interesting premise and a horrible execution. 

The plot revolves around the idea that the dead can bring justice where the living can't. Now, this isn't a paranormal movie, so no actual ghosts, but we follow six people that through their own design and will, decided to join a CEO billionaire in his quest to rid the world of the truly evil. Basically, what if Bruce Wayne and Oliver Queen decided to become their superhero identities, but made sure that no one knew that they were alive? Afterall, how many people can name that top 10 billionaires after Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and the uber rich man himself- Jeff Bezos? Can you name the heiress of Walmart? If you do, good for you! You are probably one in a minority that can. However, this movie brings up the concept of a billionaire doing good and not wanting anything, including his own name, to stop him. 

Okay, so that's the premise more or less, what about the movie? Well,this is where I wish someone else was producing this film. The first 10 minutes of the movie is full of action as we follow a car chase across Italy in what I can only describe as the world's worst getaway car. Its neon lime green! On top of that, we are shown a team with someone shot in the backseat and a doctor trying to take out a bullet. All the while Ryan Reynolds is snarking at Dave Franco's character and there are two other guys waiting? Wasn't too sure what their purpose was during the whole car chase scene. Was it interesting? At times. Was my head hurting from the whole what is going on? Yup. Are all the characters properly introduced? Well, if you count a hitman just waiting in a van somewhere in Italy with no real indication of why he was waiting in the van? Then no. 

Dave Franco's character didn't even get a name or anything as his character dies, ending the chase. Then we get introduced to Cory Hawkins' character, who is one, if not the only, survivor of a mission in Afghanistan and is struggling with survivor's guilt until Ryan Reynolds character, One, talks him into faking his death in order to go after bad guys. 

There was a lot that could have been done with this movie.The concept was interesting, but the execution was lacking that creativity. A great example was with the killing of the four generals. Come on killing the four generals while they are in a private suite with a bunch of hookers and drinking? Been there, done that, got the tee. Also, Vegas really? If you are going to use Vegas because of how close it is to military testing sites and also a place known for its nightlife, then make it where the spy is actually doing what spies are known to do. The whole scene felt like it belonged in a comedy getting rid of a dictator. Afterall, why would a dictator send his four top generals to one place to buy a deadly gas and go drinking? Lazy writing. If you had said one general with his guards in Vegas with hookers and booze, well not new but makes more sense. At the same time, another general was finishing up a deal for more arms at the border, while another one was enjoying himself in luxury. Well, that changes things a bit. Especially if the goal is to get the dictator to be paranoid enough to go to his yacht for protect. Again, a yacht for protection? That's new though maybe not have people partying there before you arrive from making an announcement to the public via the state sponsored tv station.

    This movie needed a tune up in its plot points, in its pacing, and definiety in what is considered action. The rescue mission going to hell in a basket? Enjoyable. The tension of leaving a guy behind as foreshadowed before? Slightly there. Seeing the whole team band around this one action to not let that happen? At least the dialogue wasn't cringy. But the whole explosions going off every freaking scene that involves cars? Or just casually destroying not one, but two countries' cities just because you think people will be that reckless driving? Eye roll. 

TL;DR if you like Michael Bay movies and like a bunch of things to exploded, this is the movie for you.