Muzzle (film)

Muzzle is a 2023 American action-thriller film directed by John Stalberg Jr. and written by Carlyle Eubank. It stars Aaron Eckhart, Penelope Mitchell, Diego Tinoco, Paul Johansson, Kyle Smithson, Delissa Reynolds and Stephen Lang.

Muzzle
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	John Stalberg Jr.
Screenplay by	Carlyle Eubank
Story by	John Stalberg Jr. Carlyle Eubank
Produced by	John Stalberg Jr. Ford Corbett B.D. Gunnell David Frigerio
Starring	Aaron Eckhart Penelope Mitchell Diego Tinoco Paul Johansson Kyle Smithson Delissa Reynolds Stephen Lang
Cinematography	Pieter Vermeer
Edited by	Bella Erikson
Music by	Paul Gallister
Production companies	Highland Film Group Slow Burn Broken Open Pictures Studio 507
Distributed by	RLJE Films
Release date	September 29, 2023 (2023-09-29)
Running time	100 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$7,807[1][2]

Plot

After his K-9 partner is killed in LA’s Skid Row, and he assaults a paramedic for not treating the dog, Officer Jake Rosser plummets deep into an investigation to uncover the truth about who may be responsible. He is forced to attend mandatory therapy in order to retain his K-9 handler status. While doing this he begins his own investigation into his partners death. His investigation leads to a cartel who use K-9’s as well for nefarious purposes.

Cast

• Aaron Eckhart as Jake Rosser^[3]
• Penelope Mitchell as Mia^[4]
• Diego Tinoco as Hernandez^[5]
• Stephen Lang as Leland^[5]
• Delissa Reynolds as Detective Ramos
• Kyle Smithson as Officer O'Keefe^[4]
• Grainger Hines as Aldo Damon
• Nick Searcy as Captain Freeman
• Paul Johansson as Officer Reed
• Hemky Madera as Santiago Perez

Production

Principal photography took place in Louisville, Kentucky in August 2022.^[6][7]

Release

Muzzle was released by RLJE Films on September 29, 2023.^[4]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 36%, with an average score of 5.3/10, based on reviews from 11 critics.^[8]

Sheila O'Malley of RogerEbert.com awarded the film one and a half stars.^[9]

Sequel

In May 2024, a sequel titled Muzzle: City of Wolves was announced with Aaron Eckhart set to reprise his role as Jake Rosser and John Stalberg Jr. returning to direct.^[10] The script will be written by Jacob Michael King from a story by Carlyle Eubank and Stalberg Jr which will follow Rosser as he attempts to lead a peaceful life with his family and retired K-9 companion, Socks, only for a ruthless gang to target them in a brutal attack sending him in search of vengeance in the criminal underworld to protect his family.^[10]

References

1. "Muzzle". Box Office Mojo. October 5, 2023.
2. "Muzzle". The Numbers. October 5, 2023.
3. Grater, Tom (February 3, 2022). "Aaron Eckhart Starring In Thriller 'Muzzle', Highland Launching EFM Sales". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
4. Lang, Brent (August 16, 2023). "Aaron Eckhart Action-Thriller Muzzle Sells to RLJE (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
5. Ritman, Alex (May 18, 2022). "Stephen Lang, Nick Cassavetes, Diego Tinoco Join Aaron Eckhart Thriller 'Muzzle' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
6. Suckow, Alex (August 20, 2022). "'Muzzle': What we know about the new thriller being shot in Louisville". WLKY. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
7. Villei, Matt (September 9, 2022). "Aaron Eckhart Makes a Furry Friend in First Image for John Stalberg Jr.'s 'Muzzle'". Collider. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
8. "Muzzle". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
9. O'Malley, Sheila (September 29, 2023). "Muzzle". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
10. "Aaron Eckhart Returning for Canine Action Thriller Sequel 'Muzzle: City of Wolves' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 19, 2024.

External links

• Muzzle at IMDb