At 79 years young, Sylvester Stallone delivers what might be his most compelling action performance in decades with Mission: Alarum, a spy thriller that cleverly weaponises the actor's advanced age rather than pretending it doesn't exist.
The film follows Stallone as John 'Jax' Jackson, a retired CIA operative dragged back into the field when a shadowy organisation threatens global security. What makes Mission: Alarum particularly refreshing is how it acknowledges its protagonist isn't the spring chicken he once was, turning physical limitations into narrative strengths rather than weaknesses.
A Veteran's Game
Director Elena Voskopoulos masterfully frames the action around Stallone's veteran status. Fight scenes are brutal, efficient affairs rather than balletic displays of youthful agility. Jax relies on experience, cunning, and sheer force of will rather than acrobatic prowess.
'This isn't about keeping up with the youngsters,' Stallone's character quips at one point. 'It's about being smarter than they are.' The screenplay wisely leans into this philosophy, delivering set pieces that feel both inventive and perfectly tailored to the star's capabilities.
Surprising Depth Beneath the Action
While the film delivers on its promise of explosive thrills, it also explores themes of legacy, relevance, and what happens when the world thinks you're past your prime. The supporting cast, including a scene-stealing turn from rising star Anya Petrova as a tech-savvy field agent, provides excellent counterbalance to Stallone's world-weary operative.
The chemistry between the generations creates both genuine tension and unexpected moments of humour, preventing the film from taking itself too seriously while maintaining stakes that feel appropriately high.
Final Verdict
Mission: Alarum succeeds where many late-career action vehicles fail by embracing rather than ignoring the passage of time. It's a smart, well-paced thriller that reminds audiences why Stallone became an icon in the first place while proving there's plenty of fight left in the veteran star.
For fans of classic action cinema and those who appreciate seeing legends age gracefully on screen, Mission: Alarum is essential viewing that delivers both nostalgia and genuine, forward-thinking thrills.
