Panama is an action thriller directed by Mark Neveldine, starring Cole Hauser, Mel Gibson, and Kate Katzman. Set during the 1980s, the film is a mix of espionage, political intrigue, and action, with a plot centered around the Panama Canal and the tumultuous political climate of the time. While the film features notable actors like Mel Gibson and Cole Hauser, it struggles with pacing, character development, and fails to deliver on its potential as a thrilling political drama.

Plot & Characters

The film follows James (Cole Hauser), a former military man, who is hired by a businessman (Mel Gibson) to smuggle arms into Panama for a covert operation. As tensions rise in Panama with the rise of General Manuel Noriega’s regime, James becomes embroiled in a dangerous web of political machinations, dealing with CIA operatives, corrupt officials, and shadowy figures. His task becomes even more complicated as he navigates the moral challenges of working for a cause he doesn’t fully understand.

The film’s premise has all the ingredients for a thrilling political action movie, with espionage, power struggles, and a volatile geopolitical backdrop. However, the plot feels disjointed and underdeveloped. James’s motivations are unclear, and the film doesn’t invest enough in his character arc, making it difficult for the audience to care about his decisions or the consequences of his actions. Mel Gibson’s character, while a notable presence, also doesn’t have much depth beyond his role as a morally ambiguous businessman. The supporting characters, including those played by Kate Katzman and others, are similarly one-dimensional, with little screen time or development to make them memorable.

Action & Direction

The action in Panama is competent but not particularly exciting. The film includes some standard shootouts, tense moments, and a few chases, but it lacks the energy and thrill that one might expect from a political action thriller. The pacing is sluggish, with long stretches of dialogue and scenes that feel drawn out without advancing the story in a meaningful way. When the action finally arrives, it often feels rushed or uninspired, and it doesn’t offer anything new or unique to the genre.

Mark Neveldine’s direction doesn’t help elevate the material. Known for his work on action films like Crank, Neveldine’s signature frenetic energy is absent here, and the film struggles to maintain a sense of urgency or suspense. The movie feels bogged down by its predictable plot and lackluster character development, making it hard to stay engaged with the unfolding events.

Visuals & Cinematography

The cinematography in Panama is functional, but it doesn’t do much to enhance the experience. The film takes place in a variety of locations—rural Panama, city streets, and offices—but it never fully immerses the audience in the setting. There is some attempt to capture the political atmosphere of the 1980s, but the visuals are often flat and uninspiring. The action sequences lack the dynamic cinematography needed to make them stand out, and the film’s overall visual style feels generic.

Conclusion

Panama has a compelling premise, with its political intrigue and espionage elements, but it fails to live up to its potential. The plot is muddled and lacks the complexity needed for a gripping thriller, while the characters remain underdeveloped and uninteresting. The action, while competent, does not deliver the excitement or intensity one would expect from this type of film. Mel Gibson and Cole Hauser do what they can with their roles, but they are ultimately hampered by the weak script and lack of depth in their characters.