Movie Review: Hounds of War (2024)
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3/5)

Hounds of War (2024) delivers exactly what it promises — brutal action, a gritty military edge, and a classic revenge tale wrapped in gunpowder and grit. Directed by David Cummings, the film stars Frank Grillo, Rhona Mitra, and Scott Adkins, who bring raw intensity to a story built on betrayal, loyalty, and payback.

The plot centers on a team of elite mercenaries who are double-crossed during a high-stakes operation in Eastern Europe. Left for dead, team leader Jack “Hound” Ramsey (Grillo) claws his way back to uncover the truth and take revenge on the shadowy figures who betrayed him — including some from within his own ranks.

While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, Hounds of War makes up for it with relentless pacing and impressive fight choreography. Adkins, in particular, shines in the hand-to-hand sequences, bringing a level of realism and impact that fans of the genre will appreciate. The film doesn’t shy away from violence, but it’s rarely gratuitous — instead, it feeds into the grim, war-hardened atmosphere.

That said, the dialogue can be a bit cheesy, and character development is thin. Mitra’s role as a hardened intelligence operative feels underused, though she delivers when given screen time. The soundtrack is a mix of pulse-pounding synths and war drums, driving home the chaos of each mission.

Overall, Hounds of War is a solid addition to the modern mercenary-action genre. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel — just make it spin faster and hit harder.