Renegades

Renegades is an adrenaline-filled action movie that debuted in 1989. The film stars top-on-their-game Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips, with an expert supporting role by Jami Gertz. Known for its salty and believable performances, heart-stopping chases, and gritty feel, Renegades remains a riveting cinematic piece, something that often gets forgotten in a decade that showcased an abundance of top-notch action films.

Directed by Jack Sholder, the action unweaves in a fast yet skillful manner, highlighting Sholder's knack for delivering high-octane sequences. Kiefer Sutherland stars as Buster McHenry, an undercover detective with a stern yet relentless demeanor. He is embroiled in a dangerous operation involving a gang of ruthless criminals led by Marino (played by Rob Knepper).

Lou Diamond Phillips showcases his acting versatility through his portrayal of Hank Storm, a Native American who gets embroiled in this dangerous web due to his personal connection to an ancient Lakota lance, a precious tribal artifact that becomes the subject of a crime. Hank is much more than just the stoic native character often perpetuated in classic films; he's a multilayered complex character with deep connections to his heritage and an iron will to safeguard his cultural legacy.

Jami Gertz, known for her compelling performances, plays the role of Barbara, a young woman who finds herself in the middle of the thrilling narrative. She brings an emotional depth to her character, navigating through dangerous situations with a mixture of courage, vulnerability, and dazzling strength.

The crux of the movie revolves around a heist gone terribly south. Buster McHenry, while working undercover, orchestrates a robbery in a bid to infiltrate the criminal gang. Things take an unforeseen turn when Hank Storm gets involved due to the stolen artifact's personal significance. A clash between duty, essence of identity, justice, and unanticipated alliances form the backbone of Renegades' engaging plotline.

One of the defining features of this movie is how it blurs the boundaries of right and wrong. Kiefer Sutherland's character, who should ideally uphold the law, often finds himself on the edges of moral ambiguity, a characteristic that lends complexity to his character and the overall narrative structure. On the other hand, Lou Diamond Phillips' character brings an element of honor, cultural dignity, and unwavering principles to the equation, making him a fascinating counterpoint to Sutherland's amorphous McHenry.

The screenplay, penned down by David Rich, leaves ample room for action, drama, and dynamic character development, bringing a multifaceted depth to the storyline. The engaging blend of thrilling chase sequences, hand-to-hand combat, and a narrative that incorporates Native American cultural elements make Renegades an action film with substance. Moreover, the on-screen chemistry between Sutherland and Phillips is undeniable, with their odd-couple dynamics adding a unique charm to the movie.

The urban landscapes and city surroundings provide an atmospheric backdrop for this action-drama. The cinematographic choices, from the well-crafted action scenes to the capture of city life and tribal elements, evoke the mood and augment each scene's intensity.

Moreover, the film score composed by Michael Kamen adds another dimension to the movie, effectively amplifying the tense moments and reflecting the characters’ emotional inertias.

In summary, Renegades is not just an action movie. It interweaves action-packed sequences with a culturally rich narrative assessing different extremes of right and wrong, making it a nuanced and layered film. This movie showcases Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Jami Gertz at their finest, delivering potent performances that enhance the emotional core of the movie. Though it mirrors the 80s movie aesthetics, Renegades' narrative depth, exciting action sequences, and character arcs ensure its relevance even today, making it a must-watch for any action film aficionado.