If you're in the mood for a B-film about drug cartels and violence, American Sicario may scratch that itch as long as you keep expectations to a minimum.
““It’s time the world knows who I am.” These prophetic words ignite this action-packed story of the perilous rise and fall of Erik Vasquez (Philippe A. Haddad), the first American-born drug lord in Mexico. After a drug shipment goes horribly wrong, Vasquez is caught in a crossfire between a deadly cartel, the DEA, and the Mexican authorities. As he rushes from safehouse to safehouse, defending his turf and his family, Vasquez heads toward a fateful showdown in this dynamic thriller featuring Danny Trejo.”
If you aren’t familiar with Saban Films, they’ve got an interesting history and even more interesting track record when it comes to the films they release. Mostly low-budget but high production value films, they began to hit their stride during the pandemic while straight-to-video releases were the only current content. While I’ve particularly been impressed by a large majority of their horror films, their action films can really be hit-or-miss.
Their latest release, American Sicario, tells the true story of Erik Vasquez, an American-born drug lord who, like all other drug lords, wants to be at the top and will do anything he can to get there. Visually, the film is quite striking. Breathtaking scenery and locations, with extremely well-done cinematography and camera work. This is the trend of most Saban Films releases: despite what they may lack in other areas, there is no dispute of how beautifully made their films are. The tone of the film also fits what you’d expect from a drug cartel-type film. If these are the types of films you enjoy, you’ll find yourself right at home in this story about betrayal and lust for power.
While American Sicario succeeds in establishing its own world, it unfortunately fails in almost every other aspect. To start with the obvious, Philippe A. Haddad isn’t a leading man. He seems like a very capable actor, but he’s not one to shoulder an entire film. There’s a reason why his face takes up one tiny square on the cover of the movie, and Danny Trejo, who is in the film for about ten minutes total, and does nothing but sit down in chairs and eat or drink, takes up 90% of the rest of it. The film is banking on two things here: people pay for films based on Danny Trejo, or think it had some connection to the other Sicario films that were very good. Sicario means hitman or hired killer in Spanish, and the main character is neither of those. There is a marketing strategy at play here that is very deceptive, like many other low budget films that tailor their posters or film titles to look like other successful films in hopes it confuses someone enough to watch them. That kind of relationship doesn’t bode well for American Sicario, and if you watch this film expecting anything that the cover has promised you, you’re in for disappointment.
The story itself is somewhat dull unfortunately, despite the production value and great visuals. There is a lot of constant dialogue about the importance of family, but like everything in the film, the words seem hollow and void of substance, and we are taken from sequence to sequence between these talks of family and loyalty, and then gunfights. Characters are as one-dimensional as possible, with no clear motivations for anyone really. Danny Trejo really comes out as the winner here, getting top billing, his mug plastered all over the cover, and paid for a little bit of his time while they film him eating.
Video
American Sicario is presented in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen 2.39:1. As I mentioned, visually, the movie is quite stunning. Crystal clear picture with vibrant desert colors sets the tone for this film set in Mexico. If there is anything worth paying attention to if you choose to view this film, it’s the cinematography and direction, which does elevate this low-budget film perhaps more than it should.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This track sounds good, and makes full use of the surrounds in many aspects. From gun-fights to drug-filled parties, you’ll be immersed in the action from start to finish. Dialogue is clear and concise from the center channel, with no issues of note.
Special Features
This set has a nice list of extras that dive into behind the scenes and making of the film. These include:
- Audio Commentary with Actors Philippe A. Haddad and Maurice Compte, Cinematographer Pascal Combes-Knoke, and Producer Ross Campbell
- The Family You Choose: Making American Sicario
- The Art of the Possible: The Look of American Sicario
If you’re going into this expecting anything like Sicario or a drug cartel story with Danny Trejo at the center, you’ll be disappointed with American Sicario, and that’s probably the fault of the marketing. Visually, it’s a stunning film, but the rest of it leaves a lot to be desired, with better stories out there from other drug cartel films, as well as Saban Films in general. It’s out now if your interest remains peaked. Going into it knowing it’s a B-film and what you’re in for, you may have fun with it.
