March 8, 2026 (NYC)–   Mexicali is a Gritty Martial Arts Winner.  A look at Mexicali, the new action film, written by Jesse V. Johnson and Directed by Luke Lafontaine.  Mexicali will be in theaters and available on demand on March 13th.

REVIEW:

Mexicali is the new release from Samuel Goldwyn Films and Bleiberg Entertainment.  It is, in many respects, a study in contrasts.  While it is a terrific action film, it is also a rich love story.  While it is a small, low budget film, it joins two powerhouses in modern action films, Jesse V. Johnson and Luke LaFontaine.  It is these contrasts that make the film so much more satisfying than the average action movie.

Jesse V. Johnson is no stranger to the action genre.  He has written and Directed some of the most memorable films of the past decade.  These include The Beautiful Ones (still one of my favorites), Savage Dog, Accident Man, The Debt Collector, Thieves Highway, Hell Hath No Fury, and so many more.  His writing here is sharp.  He has crafted a simple story of a complex man, with a lethal past, that is trying to settle down and enjoy the fruits of a romantic relationship.  Those plans are violently disrupted by the consequences of his character crossing paths with a lethal Mexican gang.

While Luke LaFontaine is well known for his work in action films, this is the first time he is the main character behind the camera.  His Direction here is very good and, in fact, reminds me of Johnson’s Direction style, which is high praise.  That is also no surprise as they have had many prior collaborations.

These two action experts, joined by strong cast have a synergistic impact for the viewer of this highly watchable film.

 

Bren Foster, fresh off the success of Life After Fighting, is a force to be reckoned with here.   In saying that, he is not only a gifted martial arts and action star, but can also do the heavy lifting of being a romantic lead.  This is no easy task and a delicate balance for martial arts and action viewers.   This genre’s audiences are not, generally, keen on  romance that detracts from guns and violence.  Mexicali transcends that notion and triumphs as a kick-ass martial arts film with a strong romantic elements that enhance the story.  It helps that Foster is paired with Tania Raymonde, who is delightful to watch in this movie.  She is a powerful, sexy, and exciting element of this film’s success.

Mexicali is old school film making.  The core of the film is rooted in good storytelling, good acting, and great action sequences.  The film doesn’t work unless the third leg of the stool is solid.  It is very solid here.  The martial arts and action fight choreography are well done.  There is a visceral quality to the action and it is clear that the martial arts action is founded in an actually understanding of fighting and the arts but the main players.   I really like the fighting in this movie.   Bren Foster really has a martial arts pedigree, and he is a force to be reckoned with in this movie.  His amalgamation of Scott Adkins and Mel Gibson’s Mad Max work really well for him, and for the audience.  I expect many more films in this genre from him.

The film is worthwhile and I highly recommend it.  At its core, Mexicali, has good storytelling, great action, acting, and Direction.

This film was originally called, The Farmer.

Mexicali will be released on March 13, 2026.

–review by Master Marc Zirogiannis