Seized (2020)

“Seized” (2020) is a fast-paced action movie directed by Isaac Florentine, featuring Scott Adkins in a role that emphasizes his martial arts and physical prowess. The film’s gripping plot revolves around the character of Richard (Adkins), a former Special Forces operative, who is trying to leave behind his violent past. However, when his son Taylor is kidnapped by a cartel led by the sinister Mzamo (Mario Van Peebles), Richard is forced back into the world of violence to save him.

Plot Overview

Richard, now living peacefully in Mexico with his son, hopes to move on from his past life. But when a brutal attack by a cartel forces him to fight for his son’s life, he is thrust back into the very world he tried to escape. Mzamo, the ruthless crime lord behind the kidnapping, demands that Richard eliminate the leaders of three rival cartels to ensure Taylor’s survival. With a body armor vest equipped with a camera that allows Mzamo to monitor his every move, Richard embarks on a bloody mission, driven by a need for vengeance and the desperate hope of saving his son. The film showcases his relentless pursuit to destroy his enemies while uncovering the dark forces behind the abduction.

Themes & Tone

The central theme of Seized revolves around redemption, familial love, and sacrifice. Richard’s mission is not just about surviving the day and killing rival criminals—it’s about protecting his son at all costs. This emotional undercurrent fuels the action, making it more personal than typical revenge thrillers. However, the film also explores the cost of violence, as Richard is forced to dive deeper into his past as he completes each mission.

The tone of the movie is relentlessly intense and fast-paced. It’s a classic “race-against-time” setup, with Richard under pressure to complete a series of dangerous tasks to save his son. The urgency is palpable as he navigates through a series of violent confrontations, often with little more than his skills and determination to keep him alive.

Action and Stunts

As with many of Florentine’s films, the action is where Seized truly excels. The film doesn’t hold back, with Adkins delivering exhilarating fight scenes and high-octane chases. The choreography by Art Camacho and Larnell Stovall ensures the action is dynamic and thrilling, showcasing Adkins’ agility and combat expertise. While there are several gunfights and quick skirmishes, fans of martial arts and hand-to-hand combat may find themselves craving more extended fight sequences, especially with other talented fighters. The brief but impactful fight between Adkins and UFC veteran Uriah Hall stands out as one of the film’s most memorable moments.

Character Dynamics

While Scott Adkins does a fantastic job with the physical aspects of the role, the film doesn’t delve deeply into his character. His portrayal of Richard is largely defined by his toughness and determination. The emotional depth, which Adkins is known for bringing to his roles, is less explored here. Instead, the focus remains on action, as Richard takes down one cartel member after another.

The standout performance, however, comes from Mario Van Peebles, who plays Mzamo, the menacing cartel leader. Van Peebles brings a level of charm and gravitas to the role, making Mzamo more than just a villain. His performance is nuanced, and despite being a ruthless criminal, Mzamo’s charisma and intelligence make him a compelling antagonist. He is clearly enjoying his role, and his presence adds a level of fun and unpredictability to the film.

Conclusion

Seized is a classic example of an action movie that doesn’t overcomplicate things with deep plot twists or philosophical reflections. It’s a straightforward, adrenaline-fueled ride with a compelling central performance by Scott Adkins and an engaging villain in Mario Van Peebles. The film may not break new ground in terms of story or character development, but it delivers what it promises—intense action, high stakes, and a determined hero fighting for his son’s life.

While the movie falls short of being a “classic” for Adkins, it is still an enjoyable and entertaining film for fans of high-octane action. Whether you’re a fan of Scott Adkins, Isaac Florentine’s direction, or just looking for a solid action flick, Seized offers an entertaining and brutal ride.