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Synopsis: Private security personnel Nick and Derek investigate the disappearance of their friend Agent Stokes, after an undercover sting operation to trap international arms dealer Miles Steiger goes wrong. Embroiled in a maze of deadly deals, the two mercenaries will have to shoot and fight their way to the end of a bloody Bank Holiday Monday.
Stepping up from their previous efforts in 2021’s Holiday Monday, the boys are back in town as Nick and Derek reload for a rousing new indie action sequel titled appropriately Lock and Load. From the mind of writer/director and star Nathan Shepka comes a high-octane sequel that ups the action, fisticuffs, one liners and above all bullets. This is extreme indie action filmmaking at its most fun and we have key art, stills and trailer for you to peek at below!
I must admit that I haven’t been aware of the first one but I’m going to definitely partake in it now. This probably goes towards my nostalgia streak since I turned 50 last year but this is another product of indie action keeping the flavor, look and feel of those glorious past decades that made me love action cinema in the first place.
Lock and Load is a little rough around the edges and I could sit here and put out the negatives here but why? Those who will get this film are the action lovers like myself that can see past the exterior edges and find the gold in the center. I rate these movies on all merits including budget, time and resources and with it, this sequel lives up to that you’re expecting when you watch the trailer.
Shepka returns as Nick with Colin MacDougall back as Derek and the boys are in it knee deep and more. This is a film that is made by action cinema lovers for action cinema lovers and it’s ambitious and shot old school while featuring practical effects along with all the cast doing their own fights and stunt work. Truly a testament to the 80’s and 90’s in the vein of Lethal Weapon, 48 Hrs., Bad Boys and all the buddy actioners that came before.
Another facet that makes this little film a winner is the winning chemistry between the two stars. You can tell that these men are real friends in reality because they act together with ease and they are truly having fun playing cops and robbers and living out their dream of shooting guns on camera.
There’s no shortage in gunfights and martial arts battles as our fearless duo take on an army to help a friend and it’s a non-stop thrill ride. What’s most impressive here is what Shepka and crew have done with limited funds and resources and this movie is a whole hell of a lot of fun. Action fans are in for a real treat and this one needs awesome word of mouth to reach the masses.
I was truly impressed with how much action there was in the movie as we all know that it’s not cheap to film any type of adrenalized sequence. The finale is nothing short of epic and again with what they had to play with, it’s amazing. I was laughing at all the carnage on display and how much ammo was spent.
There is no worries as if you haven’t seen the first film, you don’t to enjoy this follow up. The initial flick sets up the characters and action though so it will enhance the viewing of the sequel.
Overall, Lock and Load is a definite bright entry in the indie action genre. There’s plenty of action and violence and our heroes are up to the challenge of entertaining. Some will dismiss the roughness of some of it but true action disciples will certainly gravitate towards it
I hope that Shepka and company have more stories to tell and more ammunition to spend as Lock and Load certainly earns its title. Full tilt buddy action is the name of the game and fans will clamor for more.
Lock and Load hits the UK this Monday, July 24th so tack up and enjoy the ride!!!
[…] buddy action is the name of the game and fans will clamor for more. For my full review of the film, click here and please support indie action and check it out on November 3rd when it […]