Name: One Ranger
Genre: Action, Thriller
Released: 2023-05-05T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Thomas Jane, Dominique Tipper, John Malkovich, Dean S. Jagger, Patrick Bergin

The opening shot of One Ranger is a dusty, sun-baked highway in Texas, where Thomas Jane’s Alex Tyree pursues Dean S. Jagger’s Declan McBride on horseback. It’s a scene that feels like it could have been lifted from an old Western, but with a modern twist: the outlaw isn’t just a bank robber; he’s an international terrorist. This is the film’s central conceit, blending the rugged individualism of a Texas Ranger with the high-stakes tension of a global thriller.

Directed by Jesse V. Johnson, One Ranger is a straightforward action-thriller that doesn’t shy away from its genre conventions. The plot is simple: Tyree teams up with British intelligence agent Jennifer Smith (Dominique Tipper) and her enigmatic boss Geddes (John Malkovich) to stop McBride from detonating a bomb in London. The film’s strength lies in its pacing and the chemistry between Jane and Tipper, who share a palpable sense of urgency and determination.

Johnson’s direction is competent, with a few standout action sequences that showcase his ability to stage intense, visceral set pieces. The chase through the desert, where Tyree pursues McBride on horseback, is particularly effective, capturing the vast, untamed landscape and the relentless pursuit at its heart. Similarly, the final confrontation in London is well-executed, with a mix of hand-to-hand combat and explosive set pieces that keep the tension high.

The film’s action sequences are where One Ranger truly shines. Johnson has a knack for staging dynamic, high-energy scenes that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The chase through the desert is a standout moment, with Tyree and McBride trading shots as they weave through canyons and across open plains. The scene is shot with a sense of urgency and immediacy, using tight close-ups and rapid cuts to convey the intensity of the pursuit.

The final confrontation in London is another highlight, with a mix of hand-to-hand combat and explosive set pieces that showcase Johnson’s ability to stage large-scale action sequences. The scene is set in a bustling train station, with Tyree and Smith fighting their way through crowds of panicked commuters as they try to stop McBride from detonating his bomb. The use of practical effects and stunt work adds a layer of authenticity to the sequence, making it feel more grounded and realistic than many of its CGI-heavy counterparts.

However, One Ranger falters when it comes to originality and depth. The film’s characters are largely one-dimensional, with little room for development or nuance. Thomas Jane’s Alex Tyree is a classic action hero, tough and resourceful but lacking in depth or complexity. Dominique Tipper’s Jennifer Smith fares slightly better, bringing a sense of intelligence and determination to her role as the British intelligence agent. But even she is ultimately reduced to a supporting player in Tyree’s story.

John Malkovich’s Geddes is a notable exception, bringing a layer of complexity to his role as the enigmatic intelligence boss. Malkovich has a knack for playing morally ambiguous characters, and Geddes is no exception. His performance adds a touch of class to an otherwise forgettable ensemble, but even he is underutilized, with his character arc feeling truncated and unsatisfying.

The dialogue often feels clunky and exposition-heavy, with lines like “We need to stop him before he reaches London” replacing more nuanced character interactions. The film’s attempt to blend Western and thriller genres also results in a tonal whiplash that never quite finds its footing. One moment, we’re in the middle of a high-stakes chase through the desert; the next, we’re in a sterile intelligence office, with little to bridge the gap.

The film’s pacing is another issue, with the first half feeling rushed and uneven. The transition from the Western-inspired chase through the desert to the more traditional thriller set pieces in London is jarring, and the film struggles to find its footing in the early going. Once the action kicks into high gear, however, One Ranger finds its rhythm and delivers a satisfying, if somewhat familiar, thrill ride.

Despite these flaws, One Ranger has its moments. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the film’s pacing keeps it engaging throughout. Jane and Tipper have a believable chemistry that elevates the material, and Malkovich’s performance adds a touch of class to an otherwise forgettable ensemble.

The film also benefits from its setting, with the vast, untamed landscapes of Texas and the bustling streets of London providing a striking contrast. Johnson makes effective use of these locations, using them to create a sense of scale and grandeur that elevates the film’s more mundane set pieces.

In terms of themes, One Ranger explores the tension between individualism and collective responsibility. Tyree is a classic action hero, a lone wolf who operates outside the system and trusts no one but himself. Smith, on the other hand, represents the collective power of intelligence agencies and the importance of working together to achieve a common goal. The film ultimately sides with Smith’s perspective, suggesting that the threats facing the modern world are too complex and interconnected for any one individual to tackle alone.

However, this theme is never fully explored or developed. The film’s focus on action and spectacle leaves little room for deeper character moments or thematic exploration. As a result, One Ranger feels more like a series of set pieces strung together than a cohesive, thematically driven narrative.

In comparison to other recent action-thrillers, One Ranger falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. It lacks the stylistic flair and thematic depth of films like John Wick or Mission: Impossible, but it also avoids the self-indulgent excesses of franchise entries like Fast & Furious or The Expendables. Instead, it plays things safe, delivering a serviceable but ultimately forgettable action-thriller that doesn’t quite rise above its genre conventions.

In terms of audience appeal, One Ranger is likely to find its biggest fans among die-hard action enthusiasts. The film’s relentless pacing and high-energy set pieces will satisfy those looking for a quick, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride. However, viewers looking for more nuanced character development or thematic exploration may find the film’s simplicity and lack of depth disappointing.

Ultimately, One Ranger is a serviceable action-thriller that doesn’t quite rise above its genre conventions.