Director John Stalberg Jr. brings K-9 officer Jake Rosser back in Muzzle: City Of Wolves. Written by Jacob Michael King, from a story by Stalberg Jr. (based on characters created by Carlyle Eubank), this revenge action-thriller sees Aaron Eckhart return as the now PTSD-ridden Jake. He, his wife, Mia (Tanya van Graan), and their baby boy now live a peaceful life after the intensity of what happened previously. Unfortunately, the past has a way of looming its ugly head at the worst possible time.
While out to eat, the family gets a notification that their home is on fire. But this was just a ruse as a masked man attacks Mia and Jake, but Jake’s trained German Shepherds save the day. Sadly, this cost the canines their lives, save for Argos, who now backs down under fire. Even worse, whoever hired the attacker is still out to get Jake’s head at any cost. Corrupt police help make the man look like a domestic terrorist, while cartel members are literally gunning for Jake. Who is behind the several murder attempts on Jake and his family? What does that person hope to gain by the former cop’s demise?
The best thing about Muzzle: City Of Wolves is that seeing the first Muzzle is not necessary. In fact, I had not even heard of it until I did research after watching the sequel. The characters still work, and the plot doesn’t feel like it’s hanging on the prior adventure to unfold. There are flashbacks sprinkled throughout that flesh out Jake and Mia’s relationship. I don’t know if these clips come from the first film or not. What I do know is that they add dimension and drama to the proceedings here and do not feel out of place, nor do they slow the momentum down at any point.
“…whoever hired the attacker is still out to get Jake’s head at any cost.”
The next great thing about this actioner is the action. The director stages the shootouts, foot chases, and vehicular explosions with a keen eye. All watching will be on the edge of their seat when Jake and Argos need to jump out of a speeding truck. A hospital showdown is intense and thrilling. The editing is never jumbled, so all of the action beats are easy to follow.
Throughout Muzzle: City Of Wolves, Eckhart proves why he became a star. He’s commanding and fierce, believably pulling punches. He also brings the drama, as audiences will believe his love for his on-screen family. Tanya van Graan is also excellent, conveying Mia’s fear of the situation she finds herself in later in the story. Karl Thaning portrays corrupt cop Beekman and is great. He’s sleazy but interesting, menacing but also loving, as proven in a phone call to his wife.
However, the narrative does have a few issues. Jake escapes his hospital room and then tells his nurse what’s actually happening. Then the nurse finds Beekman and does the thing Jake warned her not to do. Is the nurse an idiot? It was such a strange moment, because there’s a way to get the same outcome without making the nurse so dumb (I know it is vague, but no spoilers). It is awkward and takes viewers out of the moment. There are a few similar lapses throughout. For instance, would Jake really not search his clothes for bugs/trackers? Really?
Despite some illogical plot beats, Muzzle: City Of Wolves works in most ways. The cast is great, especially Eckhart as the brooding hero. The action is thrilling and exciting, and almost never lets up. The story is engaging, for the most part, and has a truly surprising conclusion.
For more information, visit the official Muzzle: City Of Wolves site.
"…thrilling and exciting, and almost never lets up."
