Well made and tense, overcomes some plot weaknesses

Rating: 8/10 (17 September 2015)

This drug war thriller is exciting and partly frustrating although some of the frustration is part of the plot.
In the first half FBI agent is recruited to assist the agent Josh Brolin and the mysterious Benicio Del Toro to fight the drug war. They go across the border to Juarez to grab someone they need. What is she doing there on this mission. Things are answered eventually but that seems more of a plot device and doesn't ring true. The scenes there and at the border bridge crossing are quite suspenseful. Later on the hook up with the bad cop gone wrong seems a bit unrealistic. How could they know that would happen for sure. When they going through the tunnels it's again quite scary. Later on don't really get why she is so terribly upset about taking down a drug lord even though it's against the proper procedure and international jurisdictions and protocol. Is that something worth being so eaten up about? Emily Blunt is getting some action roles and she is watchable - both feisty and vulnerable. Josh Brolin is quite good as the questionable agent. Benicio del Toro is of course terrific and it's a good change to see him on the good side after playing 'Escobar Paradise Lost'. I actually think that 'Paradise Lost' was a better movie on the whole.
Overall this film is worth a watch. It's a well made and tense and holds your attention. The heartbeat like soundtrack is adds to the excitement. Unfortunately like any fictional thriller some things are ridiculous but entertaining like Benicio's one man killing machine in the climax.