By Robert Daniels
‘The Arctic Convoy’
Set in the summer of 1942, “The Arctic Convoy,” directed by Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken, tells the story of a small vessel tasked with transporting arms to the Allies. When the fleet’s British navy escort suddenly departs from the boat’s fleet, leaving them to fend for themselves against the German navy, Skar (Anders Baasmo), the captain of one vessel, decides to continue his mission despite the protestations of his frightened first mate, Mork (Tobias Santelmann).
“The Arctic Convoy” is two tales of survival. The first is a power struggle between Skar and Mork that often mirrors “U-571” or “Crimson Tide.” The other fight is with the Germans, which requires steely resolve and quick maneuvers by Skar’s young crew. Big sea battles and high-flying action between fighter planes provide visceral suspense to this psychologically rich war film that tells a lesser-known story from the world’s coldest front. (Rent or buy on most major platforms.)
‘Heart of the Hunter’
Zuko (Bonko Khoza) is a retired assassin pulled back into action by his old partner Johnny Klein (Peter Butler), who wants to end the corrupt reign of South Africa’s president (Sisanda Henna). Although Zuko resists coming out from the shadows, Klein’s attempt to reconnect puts Zuko in the cross hairs of the intelligence head Molebogeng Kwena (Connie Ferguson), who takes Zuko’s girlfriend, Malime (Masasa Mbangeni), hostage. The assassin hides his young son while he seeks Malime’s freedom.
In director Mandla Dube’s espionage flick “Heart of the Hunter,” Khoza is a charismatic lead and an exceptional fighter. Cinematographer Trevor Calverley’s intimate lens captures the glimmers of hurt, anger and love that dance across his face. In multiple hand-to-hand combat scenes, especially the final climactic one against the president, Khoza moves fluidly, captivating viewers with irresistible intensity. (Stream it on Netflix.)
‘House of Ga’a’
A lavish historical epic filled with plenty of backstabbing, “House of Ga’a” takes place during the 18th century in the Oyo Empire of West Africa. Bashorun Ga’a (Femi Branch) is considered not only a great soldier — made plain in an ambitious, opening-scene battle against the Nupe army that recalls “Gladiator” — but a respected prime minister. Ga’a, however, comes to want more power: He greedily decides to murder the empire’s Alaafin (ruler), which begins a chain reaction with supernatural evils.
From Nigerian director Bolanle Austen-Peters, “House of Ga’a” features wonderful period detail such as colorful costumes and precise set pieces, including Ga’a’s lavish village. Branch also provides a multifaceted performance, one that sees him as a bewitching rascal rather than a despicable villain. The film’s slow-burn character studies are also balanced by its deluge of death: cold assassinations, vicious beatings, throat-slitting and witchcraft — making for a captivating, ruthless soap opera. (Stream it on Netflix.)
‘Non Negotiable’
Alan (Mauricio Ochmann) is considered by many to be the best crisis negotiator in Mexico, but he can’t seem to mend his marriage with his wife, Victoria (Tato Alexander), a psychologist. His disgraced colleague Vincente (Leonardo Ortizgris) — who’s angry with Alan for not backing him after a hostage situation went awry — is looking for revenge and trying to take down a corrupt government. Vincente kidnaps the country’s crooked president (Enoc Leaño) and takes Victoria captive, too. It’s up to Alan to free them.
Director Juan Taratuto’s “Non Negotiable” is a long standoff not unlike “Inside Man.” Alan works desperately for more time to smooth over the situation as he attempts to investigate how far his government’s corruption has spread. A vat of rom-com tropes, espionage mechanics and elaborate suspense-thriller set pieces — including a raid on Vicente by army personnel — result in a crowd-pleasing experience. (Stream it on Netflix.)
‘Perfect Addiction’
Action movies usually feature rugged, world-weary killers or innocent, wide-eyed protagonists who are unwittingly pulled into violent confrontations. But director Castille Landon’s “Perfect Addiction” is younger, steamier and far more melodramatic than your prototypical action flick. Sienna (Kiana Madeira) is a trainer who falls for a chiseled mixed martial arts fighter named Jax (Matthew Noszka). Their relationship crumbles when Sienna catches Jax in bed with her younger sister, Beth (Bree Winslow). Emotionally broken, Sienna eventually moves in with another fighter, the kinder, gentler Kayden (Ross Butler), and becomes his trainer in the hopes of exacting revenge against Jax in the cage.
Although you get the expected visceral, muscular atmosphere of an MMA film, “Perfect Addiction” is alarmingly intimate. Limbs wrapped around limbs during training sessions — first between Sienna and Jax and later between Sienna and Kayden — turn into sweaty sex scenes. On a cinematic landscape often too timid to depict the pleasures of the flesh, “Perfect Addiction” is an arresting and welcome change of pace. (Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.)
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