"Scorched Earth" is a 2018 science fiction film directed by Peter Howitt, written by Gary Whitta and starring Gina Carano, John Hannah, and Ryan Robbins. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to survive due to a catastrophic event that has ravaged the planet. The story follows a ruthless bounty hunter named Attica Gage, played by Carano, as she is tasked with finding valuable resources in the barren wasteland. Along the way, she is mentored by a man named Rhett, played by John Hannah, who becomes her guide and protector.
The film's premise is strong and the post-apocalyptic setting is well-realized. The world-building is impressive, with a believable and grim depiction of the wasteland. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with the use of a desaturated color palette effectively conveying the harsh and unforgiving nature of the environment. The film's special effects are also well done, providing an immersive experience to the audience.
Carano, a former MMA fighter turned actress, delivers a solid performance as the tough-as-nails protagonist. She effectively portrays Attica as a skilled and determined hunter, but also showing her vulnerability. Hannah, a British actor, also delivers a strong performance as Rhett, bringing a touch of gravitas to his role as the mentor. His character adds depth to the film, providing a moral compass to the protagonist. Robbins, the Canadian actor, plays the villainous antagonist, providing a credible threat to the protagonist. He has been known for his work in TV shows such as "The Killing" and "Continuum" and films such as "Fargo" and "Caprica"
The action scenes in the film are well-choreographed and intense, with a good balance of hand-to-hand combat and gunplay. The film's soundtrack also adds to the tension and excitement of these scenes. However, the film's pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling slow and draggy, while others feeling rushed. The plot is also somewhat predictable, with certain elements of the story feeling like they've been done before in other post-apocalyptic films. Additionally, the film's dialogue is often clunky and uninspired, with some of the characters' motivations feeling forced.
In terms of the film's production, it received mixed reviews and did not perform well at the box office. In fact it was dismal, making back a mere pittance of its budget back. (Not saying the budget was a hell of a lot.) As for the director, Peter Howitt, he is a British film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for directing the films "Sliding Doors" (1998) and "Lawless" (1999). He has also directed several episodes of television shows such as "The Bill" and "Holby City."
As for the reviews and critics, they have not been overwhelmingly positive, one critic said "It's a decent post-apocalyptic action film with solid performances from its lead actors and impressive world-building, but its uneven pacing, predictable plot, and clunky dialogue hold it back from reaching its full potential"
Personally, I found "Scorched Earth" to be a decent film that provides a good amount of action and entertainment. However, it does have its flaws, such as the uneven pacing and predictable plot. If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic films and Gina Carano, it's worth checking out if you love to pick apart low brow cinema, but it may not be a must-see.