Watch Cardinal Matter

Cardinal Matter is a 2016 crime thriller that revolves around a former intelligence agent, Austin Blum (Zac Titus) who is trying to put his past behind and start afresh. However, things go wrong when he gets caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse between a powerful crime lord and the law enforcement agencies. The movie begins with Austin Blum living an isolated life in the woods after leaving his profession due to some traumatic experiences. As he tries to cope with his past and move on with life, a call from an old friend disturbs his peace. The friend requests his help to locate a valuable item, a flash drive that contains incriminating evidence against a notorious crime syndicate. He reluctantly agrees, thinking it would be a one-off job that would help him settle some of his debts.

As Austin sets out on the mission, he quickly realizes that things are not what they seem. He gets his hands on the flash drive, but before he can deliver it, he is ambushed by a group of highly skilled mercenaries who are after the same information. What follows is a series of exhilarating chases, escapes, and fights as Austin tries to stay alive and protect the evidence.

Meanwhile, the man behind the crime syndicate, The Cardinal (Matthew Stannah) is furious about the situation. He believes that the only way to get the valuable item back is to take down anyone who stands in his way, including the law enforcement agencies. Detective Beckett (Kelsey Crane) is leading the charge against The Cardinal, but finds herself in a compromising situation when Austin approaches her for help.

As Austin and Beckett work together to bring down the Cardinal and his men, they uncover shocking details about the flash drive and the people who are after it. The final showdown between the two sides is an explosive and tense sequence that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.

Cardinal Matter is a well-crafted crime thriller that maintains a high level of suspense and intrigue throughout. The screenplay by Madeline Puzzo is tight and engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged. The director, Madeline Puzzo, has done a commendable job of keeping the action sequences realistic and grounded, while still delivering the thrills and spills that the genre demands.

The performances by the leads are noteworthy, with Zac Titus delivering a solid performance as the troubled protagonist. He manages to convey the pain and anguish that his character is going through, while still being believable as an action hero. Kelsey Crane is equally impressive as the detective who finds herself in a moral dilemma. She brings depth and nuance to her character, making her much more than just a typical cop.

Matthew Stannah, as the villain, is suitably menacing and ruthless. He exudes an aura of power and control that makes him a formidable opponent for the heroes. Supporting actors like Lindsey Mackay, Sheena Klassen, and Mandy May Cheetham also put in decent performances that add to the overall impact of the movie.

The cinematography by Jayson Gaignard is impressive, with the action scenes shot in a way that keeps the viewer invested in the proceedings. The use of natural light and minimal special effects lends an air of authenticity to the movie, making it feel more grounded in reality. The music by Jean-Paul De Roover is evocative and atmospheric, helping to enhance the mood of the movie.

In conclusion, Cardinal Matter is a well-made crime thriller that delivers on all fronts. It has an engaging plot, strong performances, well-executed action sequences, and impressive technical merits. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and those who enjoy fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

Cardinal Matter is a 2015 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.9.