Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Lucas, a 14-year-old boy inducted into the gang life in Washington D.C., is determined that his 10-year-old brother won't follow the same path. When an Afghanistan war veteran comes into the neighborhood, an opportunity arises.
We Die Young is a gritty but fairly formulaic crime-drama that treads well-worn territory: young boys trapped in gang life, a damaged veteran as unlikely savior, and a race against ruthless cartel enforcers. The plot hits familiar beats without much surprise, and the Washington D.C. inner-city setting is rendered competently but without distinctive visual flair. Jean-Claude Van Damme's mostly silent performance as the veteran is unexpectedly restrained and earns some credit, but the overall acting is uneven. The premise of a protective figure enabling an escape from gang life is well-established, and the film adds little conceptually new to the genre. The ending provides adequate resolution but doesn't land with particular emotional force. A serviceable genre entry that doesn't distinguish itself enough to rise above its influences.