Sweet Girl Review: Jason Momoa And Isabela Merced Can't Save A Poor Script

Release date: August 20, 2021
Running time: 110 minutes
Directed By: Brian Andrew Mendoza
Starring: Jason Momoa, Adria Arjona, Isabela Merced, Justin Bartha, Amy Brenneman, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Raza Jaffrey, Lex Scott Davis and Michael Raymond-James

Devoted family man Ray Cooper (Jason Momoa), vows justice against the pharmaceutical company responsible for pulling a potentially life-saving drug from the market just before his wife (Adria Arjona) dies from cancer. But when his search for the truth leads to a deadly encounter that puts Ray and his daughter Rachel (Isabela Merced) in harm’s way, Ray’s mission turns into a quest for vengeance in order to protect the only family he has left. 

Sweet Girl sees Jason Momoa playing a more emotional character, at least at the start.  I liked seeing him as a devoted, and later devastated, dad who is trying to do the best he can for his family.  The film has a good setup and tries to tie into current issues such as the health care system and the pharmaceutical industry.  And after the initial setup, it starts to go into more of a thriller with a much more sinister feel to the overall film.  And the acting itself was good, with enjoyable performances form Momoa and Merced.  I liked seeing their dynamic and how she was watching out for her dad through this tough time.

But Sweet Girl's story is really where this film starts to feel off.  The movie tries to evoke a sense of injustice with the pharmaceutical industry and the prices that they charge, but then muddle this with a strange political thriller format.  And Jason Momoa goes from an everyman (who also just happens to be as big as a mountain) to a strong soldier very quickly and with little explanation.  And the movie has a few surprising twists that just seem strange.  It helps explain a few things but leaves far more questions than answers.  And on top of all of this, after a relatively long run time, the film just ends without a satisfying ending.  It feels like more was planned but it is just over.  

Sweet Girl has good performances by Momoa and Merced, and allows a more emotional performance from the big man, but they are let down by an unbelievable script.

Pass on it.

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Sweet Girl is available on Netflix on August 20, 2021.