After both Creed films, Chronicle and Black Panther, it should be quite clear by now that Michael B Jordan is one of the most arresting actors working in cinema today. Jordan, 34, shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, either. Not only does his latest film Without Remorse mark his second as a producer, but it might just be the greatest example yet of what makes him such an irresistible screen presence.
He plays elite Navy Seal John Clark in this modernisation of Tom Clancy's hugely popular 1993 novel of the same name. The film has been in various stages of development since the book released.
After returning home to the US from war-torn Syria, a group of ex-Russian military forces seek revenge on Clark and his family. This forces him out of retirement and over to Russia for a suicidal mission that could lead to a full-scale war between the two countries.
To put it bluntly, Jordan is perfect as Clark. Not only is he so physically impressive that you genuinely believe he could fight his way past any number of villains, but he brings an intelligence, brutality and drive to Clark that makes you excited to see how he's going to deal with his enemies and get out of precarious situations.
There are plenty of scenarios for Clark to escape from, as Without Remorse's increasingly thrilling set pieces come thick and fast. And they don't only conflate. Writer Taylor Sheridan gives you a clear idea of Clark's motivations going into them, while director Stefano Sollima makes sure they're all tense and captivating.
The coming together of Jordan, Oscar nominee Sheridan and Sicario: Day of the Soldado's Sollima is precisely what makes Without Remorse so utterly compelling, proving that Jordan has a keen eye for bringing the right talent on board behind the scenes.
In front of the camera, he also brings an intensity that's reminiscent of John Wick, while Sheridan and Sollima litter proceedings with distinctive moments of pinpoint violence that rival the popular Keanu Reeves franchise.
More importantly, though, they also ensure that the plot is always moving forward in a fast-paced, but still succinct and simple fashion.
Jamie Bell and Jodi Turner Smith also deserve recognition for their strong supporting roles, especially as they're playing characters that we've not seem then inhabit before. Brett Gelman does the same, too, although his casting doesn't work quite as well.
Without Remorse can't quite maintain its momentum through to its conclusion, which proves to be a little predictable and disappointing. However, that's primarily because the first 80 minutes of the film are so exhilarating that it is already bound to be remembered as one of the best action movies of the year.
Without Remorse is on Amazon Prime Video from Friday, April 30
