Read Mixed User Reviews for Sicario: Day of the Soldado

6

arostislavnaJun 29, 2018

Not a horrible movie, but fails to stand on it's own. The terrorism subplot is non-existent after the first 15 minutes of the movie, and throughout the film you're being led towards the inevitable "Sicario 3", which should have been condensedNot a horrible movie, but fails to stand on it's own. The terrorism subplot is non-existent after the first 15 minutes of the movie, and throughout the film you're being led towards the inevitable "Sicario 3", which should have been condensed into this one to provide it with more substance.… Expand

9 of 10 users found this helpful91

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5

tropicAcesJun 29, 2018

The first film was intentionally slow with its noose-tightening tension; this is just often boring. Del Toro and Brolin are predictably solid but the film just sidetracks from the interesting “create a drug war” for a standard road trip.The first film was intentionally slow with its noose-tightening tension; this is just often boring. Del Toro and Brolin are predictably solid but the film just sidetracks from the interesting “create a drug war” for a standard road trip. Wasted opportunities left and right.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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6

JLuis_001Jun 30, 2018

We have come to another case in which a sequel that could be considered unnecessary reaches the cinemas.

Although it's true that the story itself didn't need a continuation, I was interested and pleased to know that a sequel was in the worksWe have come to another case in which a sequel that could be considered unnecessary reaches the cinemas.

Although it's true that the story itself didn't need a continuation, I was interested and pleased to know that a sequel was in the works because Sicario was a really good film.

I'm aware that many alarms went on with Emily Blunt's absence but for me there wasn't really a problem because I knew both Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro could easily lead this new story.

It was also confirmed that Taylor Sheridan would return to write the script but a monumental piece of the original film wasn't going to be involved, I'm talking about Denis Villeneuve.
So now with the results at hand one should ask the most obvious question: His absence affected this film? Yes it did.

Sicario: Day of The Soldier expands the story of the characters of both Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro, they're now involved in a new battle against the Mexican drug cartels that now seems to be involved with terrorism.
With that kind of theme you get a brutal, dark and violent story, however, even though Sheridan's script is good, it's not up to his original, especially because now it relies a lot more in the action sequences and the conflict feels a lot more thin.

The film also feels hurried and compacted, trying to justify its existence and even though the story ends up on the right track it never got a real momentum or a truly emotional point.

These elements end up hurting the film and its final part proves it by not granting any kind of resolution for any of the characters and even worse the story ends up open which is very upsetting.

The trailers already called it the new installment of the Sicario saga so I can easily predict there will be a third film, although the numbers at the box office will play an important role in that decision.

In the end what I can say is that I think the film was good but it's far from having the quality of its predecessor however I think it's worth it because the performances of both del Toro and Brolin are pretty good. The music is tense and atmospheric and to me the cinematography was also quite good.
The film itself feels like a minor heir but I do think it's worth the shot.

I'm definitely interested in a third installment because I would love to get some resolutions but I honestly hope and want better results.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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5

amheretojudgeJun 29, 2018

decapitates the essential asset from the soul..

Sicario : Day Of The Soldado 2 And A Half Out Of 5 Sicario : Day Of The Soldado is a character driven political thriller, whose urge to make a gut-punching point down the throat, makes itdecapitates the essential asset from the soul..

Sicario : Day Of The Soldado

2 And A Half Out Of 5

Sicario : Day Of The Soldado is a character driven political thriller, whose urge to make a gut-punching point down the throat, makes it lose its lane from the plot track. The choreographed action packed invades or a road kill is, as always nicely done and speaks volume through it about the characteristics of the characters, just as it did on its first one. The camera work is stunning and it is beautifully shot and is immensely pleasing to encounter the visuals depicted in here despite of having such a dark tone of the feature. It is rich on technical aspects like cinematography, background score, sound effects, production design and editing.

The script is well structured and builds up to its way in an even pace, keeping the audience engaged throughout the course of it and so are its pragmatic characters that are perfectly cooked. Its smarter and eerie perspective which was the key in the first installment is still present in here. Taylor Sheridan; the writer, as always delivers its enrooting and enraging political insight into the plot line but unfortunately it shatters into a bunch of distracted puzzle box, in its last act, which frankly no one cares enough to solve it out, narrowing it down to a predictable outcome. Stefano Sollima; the director, clearly whenever had its day into the vision, has got the execution aptly, but if not, it looses its grip quickly enough to dehypnotize the audience from it. The performance objective is safe and sound among the revisiting characters like Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro and the new comers like Catherine Keener who didn't get much time to factor in effectively. Sicario : Day Of The Soldado decapitates the essential asset from the soul that was the primary fuel of its predecessor which is its poetic theme; it's a swing and a miss.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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6

Gamer-criticJun 30, 2018

Unlike the first movie, this one doesn't have the main plot point and this is the main issue here. In Sicario we had a solid story about a soldier who tries to but can't withstand against a system and fails in every decision she make, thatUnlike the first movie, this one doesn't have the main plot point and this is the main issue here. In Sicario we had a solid story about a soldier who tries to but can't withstand against a system and fails in every decision she make, that movie was more about psychology, rather than just obligatory "we must defeat terrorists" and it was awesome, Denis Villeneuve is a great director when it comes to a telling a story about a particular person and his feelings. Sicaro 2: Day of the Soldado in the first 20 minutes pretends the plot is about terrorists. Later on, movie suddenly claims "I'm a buddy movie" (Josh Broling & Benicio), 40 minutes later: "Now I'm gonna be a road movie", another 40 minutes later and all those stories became obsolete because now "we shut down everything" and the movie starts leading to the most horribly built transition into a third movie I've ever seen in my life. Ending is non-existent. No conflict is resolved, no character had their "culmination point" like in the first movie, when Emily Blunt realised that she was just absolutely useless and throughout the whole mission she was just being used. In the end of this movie right at that moment when it should show us "what's gonna happen?" "what is he going to do?" instead goes for "1 year later" and shows us probably the worst cliffhanger in history. The whole movie is just a huge dissapointment without an actuall story, main character, and culmination.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

FlexedacornJul 11, 2018

The Sicario sequel had a tough act to follow, that did not quite hit the bar of the 1st film. I liked the movie but felt it was lacking the buildup and suspense moments of the original. The first film was directed by Denis Villeneuve, who inThe Sicario sequel had a tough act to follow, that did not quite hit the bar of the 1st film. I liked the movie but felt it was lacking the buildup and suspense moments of the original. The first film was directed by Denis Villeneuve, who in my opinion is one of the best directors in Hollywood. Stefano Sollima did a decent job with the follow up, but any director would have had a hard time capturing the magic of the original. Sicario: Day of the Soldado double downed on the gun fights which works for those who wanted a more action oriented movie. The movie does come across as a bit slow, but that does build up on some of the more visceral scenes. Benicio Del Toro was great again in his role, and newcomer Isabela Moner was fantastic as well. Mark my words we will continue to see her in films as she gets older. Overall it was an interesting film that did not feel like a waste of money to see in theater. If you are on the fence about seeing it, I would personally wait for home release… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

TrevorsViewJul 5, 2018

Clearly, Mexican crime coming into the United States is a huge (or should I say, “YUGE”) problem… so much so our own president wants a wall to shut them away. Now, the three-time Oscar nominee’s sequel continues influencing a strong outlookClearly, Mexican crime coming into the United States is a huge (or should I say, “YUGE”) problem… so much so our own president wants a wall to shut them away. Now, the three-time Oscar nominee’s sequel continues influencing a strong outlook about the controversial subject in the form of an escapist action flick that pits Americans against the Mexican Border.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado ultimately thinks thievery aids people better than the Trump Administration, yet because nobody ever resembles realistic human beings, any intentional influence fails. For example: Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro) takes off his mask on a public street right before riddling a victim two-bullets-per-second under broad daylight, then later, he reveals his convenient knowledge of sign language when he by chance meets a deaf guy. Such on-the-spot improvised personality traits do not feel natural or earned, just to serve whatever’s plot convenient. Plus, screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (Hell or High Water, Sicario) introduces and revisits subplots at random without enough drama built up. With such messiness in a generic script, how can I see it as persuasive in any form?

Forget seeing any woman empowerment either in this massive step down from the first movie, for its gun worship replaces Emily Blunt’s presence, moving our attention instead on empty, forgetful gunfire sequences. For the weak women that are seen in this sequel, Maybe some extra work towards the on-the-nose dialogue could’ve made them somewhat tolerable to watch, not either victimized or an irksome moral hindrance. The significant female role, teenager Isabel, just spectates bland action as a companion to the true male protagonist without a consistent arc; she first appears fist-fighting a fellow private school student, a trait lost past her introduction. If Isabel was alternatively more goody-two-shoes, her arc would had been improved since she utilizes the cliché emotional high point of cutting her hair, like Mulan. Nonetheless, she cuts her hair not to fight alongside the bad boys but continue to be unimportant.

The great emotional distance concerns the men too, the lead hitmen are to freedom of Second Amendment Rights what steroid-jacked dudes are to fitness gym ads. They even become legitimate kidnappers we’re expected to cheer on—if a real assassin took a kidnap victim, despite his good intentions, it’d be unacceptable. Remind me again whom the real criminal here is?

No politicians seen act redeemable either, the Secretary of State becomes one major supporting player who contributes nothing story wise besides giving the hitmen greater convenience of their mission. Though ultimately, his stupidity makes the filmmakers’ perspective of the Pentagon appear incompetent compared to a badass Puerto Rican who spurts out cool murderous catchphrases.

At least Benicio Del Toro plays this “badass Puerto Rican” well, especially during the bright shining scene previously mentioned where he earns the deaf peasant’s respect. His vengeful semi-dead walk also deserves attention.

Beyond Del Toro, the picture’s mood swings create cinematic power to gritty, realistic manifestation. Director Stefano Sollima creates tangible rustic imagery as his visual range includes an aerial symmetrical cold desert road shot thru gunman’s territory until the hot sun blows away leftover chill. His smaller creative techniques make you glance out a car through dense dust clouds, unnerving those inside, yourself included. Then at night, your eyes jolt as helicopter spotlights are staged to stop smugglers. Subtle pieces of Italian mob imagery are implemented to paint the activity down south, particularly when focused on one Mexican boy who is negatively influenced by his cousin, a representation of how today’s youth can get caught up with mob gangs. Then the spoken elements come together as the last image pays tribute to The Godfather.

The strong screen direction goes deeper than mere big scale—the dramatization of a Kansas City department store bombing particularly shocks you. For character exposition, the camera first introduces Matt Graver’s (Josh Brolin) crocs before it pans up to the extra facial hair on his face, which suggests age progression of the ruthless mercenary walking in a comfortable anti-fashion.

Except I’d hardly say the listed good qualities deserve opportune investment, because its glamorized bloodshed says we can stop violent immigrants… using violence. Yes, these hypothetical heroes’ callous murders throw dusk onto an Unforgiven quote: “It’s a hell of a thing, killing a man. Take away all he’s got and all he’s ever gonna have.” Unlike Sicario: Day of the Soldado’s pictorial sermon, understand that proper victory never goes to a sociopath. Only love, kindness, and humility can save your anger.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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4

SWEEPtheLEG175Jul 7, 2018

Don't be fooled by the good reviews, I think people are just hung up on any type of military movie(American Sniper/Lone Survivor got good reviews). This is not like the first one, it starts off good, but about 45min you realize that the plotDon't be fooled by the good reviews, I think people are just hung up on any type of military movie(American Sniper/Lone Survivor got good reviews). This is not like the first one, it starts off good, but about 45min you realize that the plot is moving into a different direction(Del Toro w/ little girl) and another sub plot that is meaningless. The ending is horrible, just completely unrealistic. Also, there is a shootout scene that also falls into the "Hollywood" **** Bulletproof glass is not bulletproof forever.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

PalpetineSheevJul 9, 2018

Sicario: Day of the Soldado is a serviceable enough sequel to the first Sicario. Though not nearly as cleaver or memorable as the first, it is still extremely well acted, solidly directed, and beautifully shot. The action scenes are all verySicario: Day of the Soldado is a serviceable enough sequel to the first Sicario. Though not nearly as cleaver or memorable as the first, it is still extremely well acted, solidly directed, and beautifully shot. The action scenes are all very well shot and edited together and features some great sound design, mixing and editing. Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, and Isabela Moner (surprisingly) give 3 of the best performances of the year so far. On a technical level this movie is downright amazing. Unfortunatly, the script is much less than amazing. It is by no means a bad script, but in comparison to how cleaver and unpredictable the first film this film is a major downgrade. No spoilers but it kinda becomes ridiculous in the last 30 minutes to where in the end I felt bit empty. Overall, Sicario: Day of the Soldado is an extremely well made movie brought down by a middling script.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

grantpolifkaAug 13, 2018

An unnecessary sequel that manages to be a well-made, entertaining, OK film.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

KeithDowJul 4, 2018

The first twenty minutes of 'Sicario 2' feels like it's produced by Breitbart for the specific purpose of serving as border gore porn for their ill informed readers.

The meandering storyline is a surprise given that the film was written byThe first twenty minutes of 'Sicario 2' feels like it's produced by Breitbart for the specific purpose of serving as border gore porn for their ill informed readers.

The meandering storyline is a surprise given that the film was written by Taylor Sheridan, who wrote the first installment before following that up with 'Hell or High Water,' our #10 pick for best movies of 2016.

Both Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin are riveting to watch here, as they are in just about everything they do, but neither are able to deliver the pure magnetism that Emily Blunt brought to the original 'Sicario.'

Lastly, the complete non-ending in which the story is abruptly cut off for the sole purpose of setting up 'Sicario 3' is insulting to every last person who spent the time and money going to see a movie that presumably included a beginning, middle, and ending. Evidently Lionsgate wants to treat their audience like suckers by taking their wallets for another spin on this franchise, but they won't be getting any of mine. Thanks to their little cliffhanger stunt, 'Sicario 3' is getting the boycott treatment.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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6

GerardistheWayJul 13, 2018

An enjoyable ride in its own right, but by no means of the same caliber as the original "Sicario". I had high hopes for this movie, and while it succeeded in some areas I was sorely disappointed in others.

The acting (particularly BenicioAn enjoyable ride in its own right, but by no means of the same caliber as the original "Sicario". I had high hopes for this movie, and while it succeeded in some areas I was sorely disappointed in others.

The acting (particularly Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin, but especially so with Brolin in my opinion) is still superb, the direction (despite missing Denis Villeneuve's magic touch) is crisp, and the film is still great to look at even without Roger Deakins, crisply filmed with exciting, harrowing action sequences and plenty of beautiful Mexican landscapes and grimy, crime-riddled cities to take in. I also liked the development that Brolin's Matt and Del Toro's Alejandro go through within the movie: seeing the former wrestle with following orders he doesn't believe in lends him some extra depth and the latter's bonding with a teenage girl (Isabela Moner) wrapped up in their plot to initiate war between the cartels some much-needed humanity. The story, however, tries to do too much and becomes a muddled mess because of it, with plot points raised and either never resolved or only mentioned again once or twice, and some of them defying common logic (what exactly would drug cartels gain from smuggling Islamic terrorists into the US?). Whether this is writer Taylor Sheridan's or editor Matthew Goodman's fault I don't know, but within this movie there are at least two or three stories that would have been solid movies on their own had they been developed enough to actually provide some substantial payoff. Alas, they weren't, and here we are. There are also some of you out there who, if you took issue with the decidedly negative portrayal of Mexican characters in the first film, will have a field day with this one: almost every Latino character outside of the main cast is either an illegal migrant or a criminal, while Muslims get payed the lip treatment as being portrayed purely as suicide bombers for the umpteenth time. To take such a complicated issue as crime at the border and boil it down to merely "bad vs. worse" provides a fairly reductive view of said issues, and threatens to reinforce some of the toxic beliefs still held in our day and age.

I'm not recommending that you don't see "Day of the Soldado". Considering the sheer amount of testosterone and the often grim tone that it takes, "entertaining" may not be the right word, but the movie certainly had my attention (at least at first) while watching. For those of you going in expecting a worthy successor to the brilliant original, though, I would advise caution: you may find it more of a set-up for the third movie than an actual film in its own right.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

TyranianApr 13, 2019

Enjoyed this more than the first, totally brutal and unforgiving. Decent for that reason.