Where do I even start with this gem of a film named MR-9: Do or Die? From the very moment the credits start rolling, it feels like they might as well have been playing the theme song from the Jaws soundtrack because you’re about to witness a horror show that’s both comedic and tragic in equal measure. Directed by Asif Akbar, this supposed spy action thriller is an international collaboration between the United States and Bangladesh—because what could possibly go wrong when you mix countries that are worlds apart in filmmaking sensibilities?
And what do we have as our lead? ABM Sumon as Masud Rana, who is pitched as the Bangladeshi James Bond. That’s right, folks, prepare yourselves for the most riveting character since… well, it’s hard to think of one. With gadgets galore and a plot that seems to take inspiration from your typical 5th-grade school play, our dear Masud Rana hilariously fails at being a suave secret agent. The casting of Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White left me pondering the depths of bad decision-making. Did they lose a bet? With that level of involvement, it’s the only plausible explanation for finding two actors with actual careers starring in this cinematic abomination.
The Stunning Display of Bad Acting and Choreography
Now, let’s talk about the performances—or lack thereof. It’s almost as if the levels of acting were intentionally dialed down to appease an audience with the most generous allocation of "so bad it’s good" enjoyment. Jessia Islam as Agent Rupa and Sakshi Pradhan as Devi do little to salvage this wreckage, but bless their hearts for trying. Watching them navigate this script is akin to watching a toddler tried to walk in oversized clown shoes. The choreography, oh the choreography! Picture the clumsiness of a herd of elephants on roller skates. Is that what you call fight scenes? I’d call it an exercise in futility that leaves the audience wondering whether they’ve stumbled into a badly executed comedy.
Themes? What Themes?
As for the themes of the film, if we can even call them that, expect the usual—betrayal, espionage, and the quest for revenge. But instead of depth, you're treated to the surface-level splashes of a kiddie pool. Sure, we’ve seen better story arcs in made-for-TV films, but don’t worry; there are enough one-liners and exaggerated gestures to keep you entertained—if by entertaining, we mean rolling your eyes so hard they might as well fall out.
Visuals and Production? Enter the “Cinematic Dumpster Fire”
The visuals of MR-9: Do or Die! Where do we begin with the digital effects that could only be described as “vintage”—and by vintage, I mean "Did I just stumble onto an awkward high school science project?” The CGI in this film is so laughably bad, it evokes nostalgia for the pixelated graphics of early 2000s video games. Did the filmmakers think they were working with a multi-million-dollar budget or just whatever they could scrape together from change found under the couch cushions? One could easily mistake the special effects for a Windows 95 screen saver.
And let’s not overlook the gadgetry, which, let’s face it, is so out of this world that you have to wonder if extraterrestrial beings had a hand in their design. I mean, who knew that a robotic fly could shoot lazers and break MR-9 out of chains? I half expected to see Masud Rana pull out a toothpick that doubles as a space shuttle. If this is what you get when you combine espionage with imagination—clearly, there should be a safety net because no one should let these writers near a script or a hardware store. It’s a gimmick buffet that leads us to question if the filmmakers were aiming for quirky or if they stumbled into outright absurdity.
In a film where the visuals scream “I tried,” MR-9 manages to encapsulate everything that feels disappointingly dated while simultaneously being hilariously unfortunate. It’s a spectacularly misguided endeavor that leaves the audience wondering if they accidentally wandered into a collective fever dream where convention and logic take a permanent vacation. Alas, one can only hope that future films learn from this disastrous exhibition of CGI, gadget indulgence, and choreography gone horribly awry.
A Conclusive Cynicism
Despite its many missteps, if you’re looking for a movie that can lower your expectations into the abyss and make you reevaluate your taste in cinema, MR-9: Do or Die is a winner. This film is a reminder that not every movie needs to be good, and sometimes, the sheer incompetence can be engaging, if only for the wrong reasons. In conclusion, MR-9 is nothing short of a surreal experience brimming with poor decisions and cringe-worthy moments that are an affront to both cinema and its unsuspecting viewers. If you’re in the mood for some entertainment that is hilariously awful, look no further.
