Detective Knight: Independence (2023) Film Review

Edward DrakeKnight’s trilogy is about really believable and compelling character arcs. They can be good guys or bad guys, or bad guys redeemed enough to get on the good side, but one thing is for sure, Drake never oversteps his bounds when it comes to creating something that appeals to an audience and makes sense to the masses. a story about a detective whose moral code is realistically damaged, but who always turns out to be the good guy in the end.
Part 1 was a good introduction, featuring relatively familiar faces (one of my favorite actors Michael Eklund had a prominent role in it) and featured newcomers who stole the show from start to finish. Willis’ Knight was rather secondary.
Part 2 was more of a comeback where he met a solid and reliable character to create a fascinating contrast that lasted until the end. The show was stolen by familiar faces. But again Bruce Willis as if he had been left behind. It’s his show, but not entirely.
But in closing Detective Knight: Independence, the film rests on his shoulders as his storyline becomes crucial in this film. This is Willis’ territory now, and he’s not afraid to show it.
Independence tells the story of a young man whose vigilante views are extreme and are realized in a showdown that feels decidedly too long and flimsy. The film’s dramatic stance is light and not strong enough to make us believe in this character’s agenda. It never feels dangerous. He just feels like he’s been given a few words to say, and he seems crazy at the resolution of the trilogy.
Sure, this ends the trilogy, but there is a tepid aspect to the presentation and resolution of the entire arc. It wasn’t as much fun this time around, and Drake relies on a script that’s solid but feels like a smaller version of what he’s done before. Some faces are not visible this time, and this is always felt. Yes, Rhodes and his moral vortex were left out.
Regardless, it’s still a well-made film that showcases a strong version of Willis’ abilities in this day and age. How the film resolves his conflict by involving his family is simple, and a masterstroke from a director who needs one last look from Willis to complete his trilogy. Applause at the end is almost inevitable as justice is served and Knight gets a chance to rest.
We will surely miss you. The Knight trilogy was a good show of business from a director who has more than meets the eye. There is talent in his stories and his films just look great, regardless of whether the lighting is really fake. But don’t worry, these are acceptable creative moves for someone whose “freedom” worked well until the end, because his films never feel manipulated by someone else. This is very rare in today’s action cinema.
He was responsible for Willis rising from the ashes. I just feel like you can do the same for some other actors who simply deserve another chance to do what they do best.