“Shadow Force” from Lionsgate is now playing in theaters. This is the latest action-thriller offering from the studio that is getting ready to release “Ballerina” on June 6th. The film is directed by Joe Carnahan and showcases Kerry Washington and Omar Sy in the lead roles, along with Mark Strong. What happens when two of the deadliest assassins, part of a secret group, break the rules and fall in love? That is the story that unfolds in “Shadow Force”

ABOUT LIONSGATE’S “SHADOW FORCE”

Kyrah and Isaac (played by Kerry Washington and Omar Sy) are a couple that met while being part of a top-secret unit called “Shadow Force”. The group was put together by the then-CIA Chief Jack Cinder (Mark Strong), whose objective is to take out specific targets around the globe. But Kyrah and Isaac break the unit’s rules when they fall in love, disappear, and have a child.

Fast-forward five years, when their son Ky (Jahleel Kamara) is now five years old and being raised by Isaac. While Kyrah has been away for years, looking to kill the remainder of the Shadow Force before they can get to her and her family. The reason is that Cinder is now the General Secretary of G7 and is constantly anxious about some of the things that Kyrah and Isaac know that could hurt his career. Also, there is a layer of jealousy of their relationship.

Shadow Force
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate

The location of at least part of the family is discovered after Isaac and Ky are caught up in a bank robbery. A situation arises with one of the robbers where Isaac is forced into action, displaying his set of skills for all to see, thanks to camera footage. This forces Isaac and Kyrah to reunite in a secret stash house in South America. The race is now for them to either get away or take out the Shadow Force.

ALSO SEE: ‘SHADOW FORCE’: NATALIA REYES ON PLAYING A SPECIAL FORCES AGENT [THS INTERVIEW]

WHAT WORKS IN THE FILM

Washington and Sy are great. They have been part of various other blockbusters and series. When you see the movie poster, it should give you the notion of giving this film a chance. Jahleel Karama does a great job of adding a level of cuteness and heart to the action film, and on the opposite end, Mark Strong plays a great stereotypical villain. By all means, just off the major player in “Shadow Force” this film should have worked.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate

WHAT DOESN’T WORK IN “SHADOW FORCE”

There seems to be some confusion about what this film is trying to accomplish. Does it want to be a typical action-thriller whose plot is there to fill time for action scenes? Or does it want to be a layered, thought-out story about secret agents that want to have a normal life in the light while the rest are left in the dark? I feel like this film lands right in the middle for a middle-of-the-pack release. I don’t feel like we got enough time to bond with both Kyrah and Isaac. Or understand what made Shadow Force such a global threat. The film does give plenty of time with Ky. This is great, but it doesn’t add enough emotional weight to what the adults are doing.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate

OVERALL

Overall, “Shadow Force” felt like a typical streaming release action film. This could have shined with some changes to the script. I feel like a plot like this works better with action stars who you are more often willing to ignore plot holes. This movie may not draw audiences in theaters but it will do great on streaming.