I watched "Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe" with a fair amount of expectation and anticipation. I have watched the "Burn Notice" series from its inception with my spouse and I think that it's fair to say that it is one of our favorite weekly programs. Add to that, I have been a tireless devotee to the brilliant Bruce Campbell for more years than I care to recognize in print (decades!). So, this made-for TV movie seemed like a can't miss proposition. And, indeed, it begins on a decidedly whimsical note as Campbell faces a military tribunal for an escapade gone wrong. With his trademark bluster, Campbell challenges authority like no one else! His character has become a fan favorite over the years due to his verbal interplay with his series's co-stars Gabrielle Anwar and, most notably, Jeffrey Donovan. Donovan directs this tepid prequel and puts in a cameo, but its just long enough to highlight what's missing from this incarnation of the Burn Notice saga.
As much as I liked the comedic stylings of the present day military sequences, one would expect a terrific, funny and larger than life episode to showcase Sam's outrageousness. In fact, the jungle exploits between a corrupt military junta and a ragtag band of rebel fighters just seems far too easy and conventional. In a set-up used in countless other films, Sam is sent as an observer to a third world nationality and discovers that all is not as it seems in their plight with rebel forces. Soon Sam is in the thick of things protecting an altruistic hospital (sweet) and its strong and dedicated American/Canadian doctors (no language barriers here!). But it is a sassy rebel orphan who really seals the deal in this film. Painfully unreal and contrived, the girl exists to personalize the story--but is just one more example of a character construct as opposed to a real person. That's right, the great Campbell's principle foil is a precocious teen--uggh!
The strength of Burn Notice, as I mentioned above, is in its verbal pyrotechnics. The characters play off one another with rapid fire dexterity, and Campbell is an integral part of that success. Here, the script lacks the savvy and the smarts necessary to make this must-see entertainment and Campbell's big persona fails to have a match in the likable, if forgettable, ensemble of the film. Another part of the series' charm comes from stylish adventure and a palpable sense of danger. Here, the action is straightforward and lacking the visual flair we'd expect from the show. And as for danger, there's never a doubt as to the outcome of this fairly generic tale. As a Campbell enthusiast, I prefer his campier film forays and as a Burn Notice fan--this only hinted at the elements which distinguish the show. I watched it, it was pleasnat enough, but I can't imagine a second viewing. If you don't watch Burn Notice, though--you're missing out. I suggest you start there! KGHarris, 4/11. Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe
What we learned from this movie is that Bruce Campbell can only play one type of character. Fortunately he does it well. You know this is going to be a comedy from the beginning when Campbell as Sam Axe is escorted by two SPs, with serious swagger music, through mis-operating gates and doors. Sam is a Navy Seal. He is not the "kill Bin Laden" type SEAL but the have sex with the admiral's wife (Chandra West) type of SEAL. This lands him on a job in Columbia dressed in camouflage garb designed to hide someone in the middle of the Atlantic.
In Columbia, while looking for terrorists, things take a twist and then another, and another. Kiele Sanchez plays a clinic doctor and was marvelous in her role. And of course what would a Bruce Campbell movie be without a chainsaw? 4 1/2 stars. Acting is not something Bruce Campbell does well, but we love to watch it anyway. The twists is what made the movie humorous.
No F-bombs, no sex, no nudity.
While this preorder gives little info. about the BD, I just received season 4 DVDs for "Burn Notice." Inside is a flier stating that this is an extended version (with some "making of" bits, too). The movie was about 88 minutes long. This is listed at 108 minutes (assuming this time does not include the included extras). Not sure how they could pad this for another 20 minutes. Perhaps, though, the "extended cut" part will influence some to buy this.
The movie itself was okay. A bit pat, but a fun time, if one's expectations aren't too high.
Even with low expectations, this tv movie didn't hit the mark. Bruce Campbell just couldn't save this project from it's incredibly low budget effects and the re-hashed (seen it a million times) plot.Noticeably absent was the traditional Bruce Campbell humor which usually can drag these types of movies to a positive review.
The Fall of Sam Axe is a must for all Burn Notice fans, he has been the comic side-kick, trusted friend (Apart from when he used to inform on you to the FBI...) and one of the key characters of the series.
You were always told he was an ex-Navy SEAL, but did not know about his past, what he did, why he helps Michael? This telemovie explains most of that, including his love of drinking.
Bruce Campbell carries the show well, providing a lead character that you just have to love. You get a cameo from Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) who directed this movie.
There are others who tell the plot, I just say, if you like to be entertained, like the Burn Notice gunplay, wise cracks, and action at a pace, then this is for you. GET IT!
I read many of the Amazon reviews before I bought this video and got the impression that this was a fair movie at best. After watching "The Fall of Sam Axe" I was (pleasantly) surprised.
This is a fun action movie without foul language, sex, or gratuitous violence. It represents the irrepressible Sam Axe as we have come to know him from "Burn Notice." It gives a little more background than we had before and I did not find it to be contrived at all.
I have bought all the "Burn Notice" seasons presently available on DVD and my sons and I are currently re-watching all of them, we love this series so much! (My sons are 17 and 23 by the way.) "The Fall of Sam Axe" was a perfect side-note to the series and I can say we wholeheartedly approve! - Bruce Campbell'
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