Movie Review: "Against the Clock" (aka “Headlock”)

Prepare yourself for a perplexing journey through the disjointed world of “Against the Clock,” also known as “Headlock.” This film, directed by Mark Polish, tries to mix sci-fi thrills with psychological puzzles, but ultimately leaves viewers confused and disappointed.

A Brief Introduction to the Polish Twins

The Polish brothers, Mark and Michael, once captivated audiences with their breakout film, “Twin Falls, Idaho,” back in 1999. Unfortunately, their recent works, including Mark’s latest effort, “Against the Clock,” seem to signify a downward trajectory in both cinematic quality and critical acclaim. The brothers have ventured into separate projects recently, but the results have not been promising.

From Promising Beginnings to Curveballs

Mark Polish’s previous forays into filmmaking were marked by unique storytelling and emotional depth. However, the same can’t be said for “Against the Clock.” Even the name change from “Headlock” seems like a desperate attempt to salvage this sci-fi thriller from the clutches of mediocrity.

Plot Overview: What Goes Wrong?

In "Against the Clock," Polish plays a spy therapy patient caught in a web of manipulation. After a mishap leaves him in a coma, his determined wife, portrayed by Dianna Agron, fights the shadowy forces of the CIA, led by a flamboyant Andy Garcia. The story’s premise revolves around a terrorist mastermind, Ah Puch (played by José Zúñiga), whose plans are encoded in the protagonist’s altered brain.

A Messy Narrative: Are You with Us?

Herein lies the film’s significant flaw. The plot becomes a jumbled mess of dream sequences, disembodied voices, and incoherent images. The dynamic between Polish’s character and Agron’s Tess is promised to be thrilling, yet it often feels contrived and unconvincing.

• The CIA Chief’s Dilemma: Garcia’s character, CIA Chief Hotchiss, delivers lines that attempt to add gravitas, but often come off as cartoonish. His proclamation, “The world is made up of TWO things, Black and White, and there ain’t NOTHIN’ in between!” feels more like a poorly-scripted joke than a profound statement.

Visual Techniques: A Double-Edged Sword

While Polish attempts various cinematic techniques to enhance storytelling, many choices fall flat. The over-exposed dream sequences contrast awkwardly with the hyper-saturated reality, leading to a dizzying experience rather than an engaging one. The constant clash of audio-visual elements disrupts any sense of coherence.

Nightmares and the Lack of Clarity

Opening with a ponderous lecture on the brain’s computer-like capabilities is a misfire. Instead of sharpening our understanding of the narrative, it merely adds to the confusion. Polish’s performance fails to provide the emotional connection needed for audiences to root for Tess in her harrowing quest.

Conclusion: The Locked Lips of Mediocrity

Ultimately, “Against the Clock” serves as a prime example of ambition not meeting execution. It tantalizingly teases the prospect of complexity but settles for chaotic storytelling that lacks clarity, emotion, or a strong narrative spine.

While Mark Polish may have enjoyed some romantic moments with Dianna Agron on-screen, it’s hard not to feel that even those brief sparks couldn’t save the film from its myriad of flaws.

Rating: Unrated, Violence

Cast: Dianna Agron, Mark Polish, Justin Bartha, José Zúñiga, Patrick Bauchau, and Andy Garcia.

Credits: Directed by Mark Polish, with a release by Gravitas Ventures and available on various streaming platforms.

Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes

Should you choose to embark on this cinematic journey, proceed with caution. You might just find that the clock doesn’t tick as expected in “Against the Clock.”