Movie Review: ‘Samaritan’

NEW YORK – The idea of casting Sylvester Stallone as a superhero seems natural enough. But the concept goes badly awry in the dreary, inept action thriller “Samaritan” (MGM/Amazon Prime).

While the fights in which his character engages are mostly nonfatal, other examples of mayhem on display are disturbing or caustic. Taken together with the earthy vocabulary regularly incorporated into the dialogue, such scenes make the film safest for adults, though it’s possibly acceptable for older teens.

Working-class 13-year-old Sam Cleary (Javon “Wanna” Walton) cherishes the belief that the legendary crimefighter of the title, reputed to have died in a battle with his wicked brother Nemesis 25 years ago, is really still alive. As he observes the unusual behavior of one of his neighbors, reclusive garbage man Joe Smith (Stallone), the lad becomes convinced that Joe and Samaritan are one and the same.

Joe initially tries to brush Sam off as a pest. But a mentoring bond rapidly develops between the two as Joe instructs Sam in the finer points of boxing while also advising him to avoid using his fists whenever he can.

Sam has another positive role model in his hardworking mom, Tiffany (Dascha Polanco). But he also finds himself drawn to the dark side as personified by semi-crazed local gang leader Cyrus (Pilou Asbæk).

With all these clearly defined elements of good and evil in the background and the friendship between Joe and his admiring protégé to the fore, director Julius Avery’s movie might have been both morally interesting and emotionally appealing. Instead, as scripted by Bragi F. Schut – who also penned a related graphic novel – the story is consistently awkward and shallow and occasionally ludicrous.

Beset by lawlessness, the picture’s fictional urban setting, Granite City, is meant to evoke Batman’s Gotham as portrayed in some of the Caped Crusader’s grittier screen chronicles. Rather than darkly menacing, however, this environment registers as merely drab and depressing and may leave viewers feeling that they’ve spent the better part of two hours at the bottom of a mud puddle.

Well-intentioned but poorly executed, “Samaritan” is ultimately a confused mess, full of silly looking brawls and off-key emotions. In fact, by contrast to the eponymous Biblical figure, who provided much-needed relief, this shoddy project is itself in need of rescue.

Look for: Mostly positive, albeit muddled, values, including the hope heroism can inspire.

Look out for: Generally stylized but sometimes harsh violence, a couple of profanities, several milder oaths, at least one rough term, about a dozen crude expressions and some crass talk.

The Catholic Moviegoer’s guidance is M – suitable for mature viewers. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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