First thing, the casting and performances were outstanding. Every actor fit their character perfectly and were convincing and relatable. I can't recall any film that had such a diverse set of colorful characters that worked as well together as they did in this film. Clearly Banderas was the standout with his perfect performance. 2 Chainz nailed his role, as did newb actor Luke Bouchier as Pay-check. Mojean Aria as Stray in his first lead role also fit his character perfectly. I could go on about every cast member, but when you see this film, I doubt you can think of any actor being replaceable by someone else - they were just that perfectly cast, kudos to the casting director.

What impressed me next was the near perfect directing (especially cast direction) from newb filmmaker Richard Hughes, who makes his first full length feature film debut, with only three previous short films on his resume. Every scene was captured beautifully in a modern day Miami neo-noir style with excellent cinematography and set pieces. Hughes' cast direction was as good as any seasoned director, especially considering there were many newb and B list actors.

The screenplay by W. Peter Iliff had some pacing issues, especially in the first act, as well as some plot and technical issues. I felt the first and second act was too slow and unremarkable, and the introduction of Banderas' character to Zolee Griggs' character was too stretched out, while the last act felt too rushed, and I wanted more. But the real flaw was Kate Bosworth's character that felt way too cliched and focused on her too much, with too little focus on Mark Rhino Smith's character. When the spotlight was on him, he shined, but on Bosworth, it was too cheesy and animated, especially her dialogue and body language. Rarely do I complain about the runtime being too short, but for the flew-by 90 min runtime, I wanted more of the second and final acts. The soundtrack and score were excellent, and I love the throwback theme song Everybodys Got To Learn Sometime by The Korgis.

With so many slim pickings of entertaining films these days, this film was a great watch, even with the few rookie flaws and writing issues. I applaud all the cast and Hughes for this little gem. I feel the critics were too hard on this film; it has some great action, amazing casting and performances, and a good story, and I will be watching it again for sure. It's a well deserved 8.5 rounded up to a 9/10 from me. To see more of my 1400+ reviews and 2600+ ratings including my evaluation system, visit my user profile.

But its not outstanding in any matter, its projects that ''starting to get worn out'' actors do, when the ka-ching busters are way in the past, just to survive, a enforcer and his apprentice, with a little bit fighting, a little bit violence, a little bit gore and a little bit of love and emotions. Its mostly flat on caracter development, and youll have to be deep in the dark to eventually pick up the code of the language used. Also the end part where somewhat abrubt and storyless, they couldve made more there and quit some nonsense erotic scenes that plotwise where pretty much used as a timefiller.

But nevertheless, mr banderas saves the pieces of glory in the end, he has still the voice and the demeanors to act as a keg of black powder, the grumpy old man just wonder if he speaks so gebrochent english in real life??? A small recommend.

Recently it seems like Antonio Banderas has taken the same DTV route as many other aging action stars like Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, John Travolta etc making mediocre DTV movies for a big paycheck.

The Enforcer isn't the worst movie DTV movie I've seen this year but it's not the best either. Kate Bosworth and rapper "2 Chains" essentially have extended cameos here that don't amount to much. Banderas is the real star here and for it's worth he actually is in this movie for a majority of it and puts effort into the role.

Unfortunately despite Banderas giving his full effort "The Enforcer" is a mediocre crime thriller with a played out redemption story that we've all seen too many times by this point.