Rating: 8 out of 10
The story follows Sam Axe, also known as Chuck Finley, legendary wingman of Michael Westin on Burn Notice, on a mission in Latin America as a Navy SEAL in 2005.
It’s true that Burn Notice’s popularity is due in no small part to that ultimate posterman for geeks, Bruce Campbell, in his wingman role as Sam Axe. And I think this made-for-tv movie was, in a roundabout way, a nod to all us huge geeks who happen to be fans of the unlikely combo of Bruce Campbell and Burn Notice, wherein the “Boomstick!” man gets to be a Navy Seal behind enemy lines on his own mission to save everyone! It doesn’t get much better than that, especially with the setup lead Michael Westin has already.
So Sam Axe is being arraigned at what is first termed an informal discussion, with some high ranked Navy man and his aide. The seriousness of the proposed situation doesn’t prevent them from sight gags while taking Axe to the briefing room however, if anyone noticed them; I did. Anyway, Commander Axe is mostly nonchalant and even asks for a beer in his opening statement, a very Sam move of course. And the inserted witticisms continue throughout the movie, for those paying attention. Commander Axe manages to get himself poofed off toLatin Americaon a recon mission checking out some terrorist group, but that’s because, well, he got caught sleeping with the commanding Admirals wife. So he gets issued blue fatigues with his name clearly labeled and sent off to the jungles, where he stands out like a sore thumb. He meets up with the local military who are of course already plotting, the local terrorists – I mean goat herders, and the food-aid-female-love interest who happens to work at the local health clinic buried in the mountains. Seems an odd place to have a health clinic, but whatever you say. And madness and mayhem ensue, with Commander Axe jigging to keep one step ahead of all the bad guys, with a quick quip and a bold plan!
Yes, star of Burn Notice as Michael Westin, Jeffrey Donovan, directed the movie and even has a cameo as Westin in it. I figured he would, at least he didn’t take over the whole movie, as Michael usually does on the show. The character of Sam Axe, and Campbell’s sheer plucky attitude and versatility as an actor, plus his love for all of us huge geek fans of his, shows through clearly throughout the entire movie; I can’t ask for more than that. Rather than waste time saying they should’ve just made the movie as a 2-part episode of Burn Notice, think of it as a tribute to us fans, who would make that kind of movie in a hot minute if we could!