Cast
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Jesse Metcalfe
as Paul
Bruce Willis
as Robert
Chad Michael Murray
as Balzary
Kelly Greyson
as Kate
Ser'Darius Blain
as Ulysses
Katalina Viteri
as Sophia
Shannen Doherty
as Dobbs
Natalie Burn
as Sandra
Kaleina Cordova
as Ava
Leslee Emmett
as Marcia
Sean Kanan
as Vlad
James Cullen Bressack
as Balzary's Driver
Simon Phillips
as Driver
Trae Ireland
as Jack
Michael Sirow
as Ken Blain
Crew
Director
- James Cullen Bressack
Writer
- Alan Horsnail
Producer
- Chad A. Verdi
- George Furla
- Luillo Ruiz
- Randall Emmett
Reviews
JPV852
I'm now convinced this Bruce Willis is an anamatronic android and the real one is living the good life on some island in the Pacific.
Just another forgettably bad direct-to-video thriller "starring" Bruce Willis. The fight scenes are almost incomprehensible and the acting rather poor or, in the case of Willis, bland, clearly his scenes were often shot separately from others. At the very least Chad Michael Murray seemed to be having a good time. If only Willis would adapt to playing insane like Nicolas Cage has in his DTV train-wrecks.
I thought there was a kernel of a good idea... until I remembered this sort of thing was done with the 2010 graphic novel adaptation of RED... starring Bruce Willis in a time he still gave a damn. **1.25/5**
Jan 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Fortress distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director James Cullen Bressack brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Fortress took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 59 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: December 17, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $52,169
Where to Watch
