Watch American Badger

American Badger is an action-packed thriller released in 2019 that takes audiences through the story of a hitman who teams up with a hacker and a detective to take down an international crime syndicate. Directed by and starring Kirk Caouette, the film also features Andrea Stefancikova and Michael Kopsa in prominent roles. The narrative of American Badger is centered around the titular character Badger, played by Kirk Caouette, who is a ruthless hitman operating in Canada. Badger lives by a code of honor and only takes contracts that he believes to be morally justifiable. He is approached by a hacker named Vince, played by Michael Kopsa, who offers Badger a job working for the US government to take down an international human trafficking ring.

Along the way, Badger and Vince are joined by a police detective named Graves, played by Andrea Stefancikova, who has been investigating the same crime syndicate for years. Together, the trio embarks on a mission to take down the organization that is involved in heinous crimes like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organ smuggling.

The movie is filled with intense action sequences that keep the audience at the edge of their seats. The storyline is tight with credible twists and turns, and the interplay between the lead characters is engaging. Kirk Caouette shines as Badger, who despite being a hired killer is a surprisingly likable and relatable character. His gruff exterior is contrasted well with moments of vulnerability and compassion, making him a compelling lead.

Michael Kopsa plays the role of Vince impeccably, bringing to life a character who is witty, intelligent, and resourceful. Andrea Stefancikova delivers an impressive performance as the determined detective Graves, who is equally gutsy and compassionate. The trio's solid acting and chemistry elevate the film's story to new heights.

Apart from the riveting action, the film also does a great job of highlighting the dark reality of human trafficking and organized crime. It sheds light on the plight of the victims and drives home the point that trafficking is not just about sex work, but also covers the illegal organ trade that is a massive industry in the underworld.

The film's setting is cleverly designed, with the Canadian backdrop providing a unique and refreshing change from the usual shooting locations of similar genre movies. The music is an excellent fit for the tone of the film, with a score that is engrossing yet understated. The cinematography is impressive and captures some stunning visuals of the Canadian wilderness.

One of the most standout aspects of the movie is the direction. Kirk Caouette has done an excellent job of balancing the elements of action, suspense, and character development. He maintains a kinetic and steady pace throughout the movie, keeping the audience engaged and never once letting the plot drag. The action sequences are shot with finesse, and the use of practical effects is refreshing in an age where most filmmakers rely on CGI.

The film's length of 76 minutes is a testament to its pace and never overstays its welcome or leaves you feeling unsatisfied. Although the film has a limited budget, the technical execution is top-notch, and the use of practical effects adds to the believability of the action.

Overall, American Badger is a solid action-thriller that packs a punch. It is a stylish, well-executed movie that manages to balance the grittier elements of action with a sobering look into the realities of human trafficking. The performances of the lead actors are commendable, and the film's direction is assured. It's a must-watch for fans of the action-thriller genre.

American Badger is a 2021 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.