Braven: A Straightforward Action Flick Showcasing Jason Momoa’s Might
Braven is a simple action movie about a regular guy fighting a gang of drug dealers, mainly designed to show off Jason Momoa’s acting and physical skills.
Joe Braven, a lumberjack, prefers living away from crowded cities. He lives in a big country house with his wife, daughter, and elderly father. Joe is worried about his father’s worsening Alzheimer’s. The once-strong old man is losing his memory, wandering off, and even getting into fights. To cheer him up, Joe takes his father to their old hunting cabin deep in the Canadian woods, along with his young daughter. But an unpleasant surprise awaits them: drug dealers are using the cabin as a stopover, and a bag with several kilos of heroin is inside. Joe doesn’t want trouble, but he knows the gang won’t leave witnesses alive. He must enter a dangerous game to save his family from ruthless criminals.
Jason Momoa is almost a big action star like Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, or Vin Diesel. But he needs that one big break. He’s been in the “Conan” remake, worked with Sylvester Stallone in “The Expendables,” and joined “Justice League.” But he’s stuck in okay action comedies like “Sugar Mountain” or simple action movies like “Braven.” This isn’t Tom Cruise level, but more like Scott Adkins.
“Braven” is Jason Momoa and Stephen Lang’s second movie together. They first worked together on the “Conan” remake in 2011.
“Braven” isn’t a great movie. It’s just another thriller and action movie, like the cabin in the movie. The story is predictable. You know what will happen, who will survive, and who won’t. And you know there will be a happy ending because Joe Braven is too good to kill. The characters aren’t deep. Their traits are mentioned, but no one is close to the audience. It’s a black-and-white movie: good versus bad, with no in-between.
Jason Momoa got the scar on his face in a bar fight in California in 2008 when he was hit with a broken beer glass.
Action and Scenery
Does the movie have cool stunts, fights, or shootouts? No. Director Lin Oeding plays it safe. Joe only uses a bow and arrow once, even though it’s on the poster. He’s not Robin Hood, Rambo, or Katniss Everdeen. He and the filmmakers prefer hand-to-hand combat, snowmobiles, ATVs, or bear traps. There’s nothing special to see here.
Except for the beautiful Canadian wilderness with its amazing rocky landscape. “Braven” is filmed in great locations where nature can be both a friend and a killer. Luckily, the “good” characters know the land well (even the little girl), while the “bad” guys are clueless. But no one expects much from this movie. It’s just for Jason Momoa to show off his acting. He tries hard. His character loves his wife and daughter and beats up bad guys. Braven is honest and brave, but also vulnerable and can be killed, but not completely.
Final Thoughts
“Braven” won’t be a hit or a classic. It can’t compete with similar movies from the 90s. “Cliffhanger” is much better. This movie won’t define Momoa’s career, but it’s a good appetizer for “Aquaman.” Watching Joe Braven run around in a fur coat makes you think, “Jason looks better with the King of Atlantis’ trident!”