The Bluff (English) Review {3.0/5} & Review Rating
Star Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Karl Urban
Director: Frank E Flowers
The Bluff Movie Review Synopsis:
THE BLUFF is the story of a fishwife on a rampage. The year is 1846. Captain T H Bodden (Ismael Cruz Córdova) and his crew are taken hostage aboard their ship, Swiftsure, by the ruthless pirate, Captain Connor (Karl Urban). Connor is looking for the gold that he claims has been stolen from him. When Bodden refuses to reveal anything, Connor heads to Cayman Brac, where Bodden lives with his wife Ercell (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), sister Elizabeth (Safia Oakley-Green) and handicapped son Issac (Vedanten Naidoo). Connor, along with his army, lays siege to the island. Ercell is attacked, but to the surprise of Issac and Elizabeth, Ercell fights back and finishes off Connor's gang members. This is when they learn that Ercell is an ex-pirate known as Bloody Mary. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
The Bluff Movie Story Review:
Joe Ballarini and Frank E Flowers' story is simplistic. Joe Ballarini and Frank E Flowers' screenplay keeps one engaged. At the same time, it doesn't offer anything new. The dialogues are conversational.
Frank E Flowers' direction is decent. To give credit where it's due, he keeps the run time in check (106 minutes). No time is wasted; the story moves forward from the very first scene. The action scenes keep the interest going. The pirate theme and the opening sequence will inevitably remind viewers of the popular PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN series. However, since most of the action unfolds on an island, the film manages to carve out a distinct identity.
On the flipside, the film offers nothing new in terms of storyline. There are no twists and turns or suspense. One can guess from a mile away what's going to happen next.
The Bluff Movie Review Performances:
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the standout performer of the film and rises above the limitations of the script. It’s a proud moment to see her receiving top billing and carrying a major Hollywood action film on her shoulders. She delivers a fantastic performance and is particularly electrifying in the action sequences. Karl Urban is apt in the role of the antagonist. Ismael Cruz Córdova lends able support. Safia Oakley-Green is just okay, while Vedanten Naidoo leaves a mark. However, his physical disability doesn’t add much to the narrative and was forced for the heck of it. Temuera Morrison (Quatermaster Lee), David Field (Pastor Bradley) and Gary Beadle (Custode) have small but crucial roles and perform ably. Zack Morris (Weston) and Greg Hatton (Scout) don't get much scope.
The Bluff movie music and other technical aspects:
Henry Jackman's music is decent. 'Issac's Lullaby', sung by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is soulful. The background score is in line with the expected standards for such films.
Greg Baldi's cinematography is breathtaking. The action is a bit gory, and yet, the violence level is bearable. Philip Ivey's production design and Antoinette Messam's costumes are authentic. Lisa Lassek's editing is swift.
The Bluff Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, THE BLUFF offers little that is new in terms of storytelling and remains largely predictable. However, it is worth watching for its pacy narrative, action sequences and, above all, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ towering performance.
