Alarum Movie Review: Sylvester Stallone’s Continuing Streak in This Ridiculously Bad Action Thriller

Alarum: A Disappointing Addition to the Spy Genre

Despite featuring an impressive cast, Alarum stumbles as a spy thriller, ultimately failing to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. To truly excel in this genre, a film must combine gripping action sequences with an innovative storyline. Unfortunately, Alarum lacks both, resulting in an experience that feels disjointed and unoriginal.

Wings: Promise Meets Potential

Sylvester Stallone and Scott Eastwood hold shotguns in Alarum

The film centers around the romantic entanglement of two spies, Joe and Laura, who begin as adversaries but ultimately fall in love. Years later, as they celebrate their honeymoon, an enigmatic hard drive descends from above, thrusting them into a fierce conflict with various intelligence factions. However, the strained narrative fails to develop their relationship adequately, with the couple spending more time apart than together. While Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald showcase commendable chemistry, the film does not capitalize on it effectively.

Stallone’s character is also limited by a vague script that provides little guidance or depth. Although the legendary actor has the potential for compelling performances, here he is left adrift due to an apparent lack of directorial vision. In contrast, Mike Colter portrays an antagonistic role, yet his character’s inconsistent development hinders the overall experience.

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The film’s disjointedness often results in comically unfavorable sequences, where stilted performances and unconvincing action detract from its intended tension. Moments of exaggerated death scenes seem more reminiscent of a drunken stumble than a thrilling escape. Regrettably, this lack of depth permeates throughout the film, contributing to its overall failure to resonate.

Sylvester Stallone as Chester holding an AA12 in Alarum

The dialogue within scenes often feels forced and unnatural. Interactions among secondary characters contribute to a sluggish narrative pace, resembling more of an awkward rehearsal than an engaging cinematic experience. Many performances, despite their star status, fail to elevate the film, leaving viewers yearning for a more polished script.

While the film endeavors to weave intricate twists into the storyline, the execution lacks impact. Key moments designed to evoke surprise or emotional weight fall flat, robbing the audience of the chance to connect with the characters or the unfolding drama. Although Alarum starts with intriguing elements—such as a mysterious data drive and a rivalry between espionage agencies—the overarching narrative collapses under the weight of its own ambitions. The stakes feel trivial, culminating in a finale that fails to deliver the excitement promised throughout.

Alarum is currently showing in theaters and can be streamed on demand. With a runtime of 95 minutes and an R rating for violence and strong language, this film represents a missed opportunity in the spy genre.

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