By Iranola Ojuolape

“Miss Bala,” starring Gina Rodriguez from TV’s “Jane the Virgin,” was full of potential, but fell way short. Although the performances were engaging, the storyline and character development were mediocre and inconceivable.

The film, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, is based on Gerardo Naranjo’s 2011 Mexican film of the same name – which was inspired by the incredible, true story from 2008 about a beauty queen and a drug lord. Although the film included an amazing cast who were determined to provide stellar performances, the film’s series of events put these performances to waste.

Rodriguez stars as Gloria, an American makeup artist who visits her friend, Suzu (Cristina Rodlo), in Mexico, to help her prepare for the Miss Baja pageant. Before the pageant festivities begin, the two go out clubbing and the place is soon shot up by a gang led by Lino (Ismael Enrique Cruz Córdova). In the midst of all the chaos, Gloria searches for Suzu, but does not find her. Instead, Gloria, is kidnapped by Lino’s gang, who uses her American citizenship to transfer illegal items between Mexico and America, all in exchange for help finding Suzu. The entire film is centered around this mishap, as well as Gloria’s evolution through this extensive process.

Although Gloria is determined to find her friend, Suzu, at all costs, she has an impractical tolerance towards the sexual harassment, threats and violence directed at her. Gloria’s passive and fearful position throughout the film makes her triumphs, especially in the last 10 minutes of the movie, hard to believe. Most of the events that occur in the film are not predictable, but they are underwhelming. Have you ever watched a movie not knowing exactly what would happen next, but you knew everything would turn out alright in the end? This is one of those films.

Though the film is cliched in some areas, it highlights a few prevalent issues in society, like the law’s failure to protect women, and people in general. After escaping Lino’s gang for the first time, Gloria runs right into an agent. You would think she hit the jackpot, right? Nope. Instead, the DEA threatens Gloria with a lengthy prison sentence if she does not return to Lino’s gang as a mole. After risking her life multiple times to set up a huge bust, Gloria is abandoned by the DEA and left to fend for herself. This point in the film provides the first shift in Gloria’s disposition. She immediately develops a new hunger and willingness to do anything it takes to find Suzu, even if that means siding with multiple drug lords.

Because of this, I found myself confused for the majority of the movie. At times, I forgot why Gloria was enduring all of the drama in the first place, until she would randomly belt out Suzu’s name. The film also weirdly, yet subtly sexualizes the relationship between Gloria and Lino, but it is clear that Gloria is uncomfortable with it. And after watching Gloria switch her loyalty numerous times, it’s safe to say that the redundancy had my patience running low. Rather than being captivated by the scene in front of me, I just wanted to know how the film would end. I found myself rolling my eyes and asking, “Was that really necessary?” throughout the film.

If you’re looking for a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat adventure, “Miss Bala” is not the film for you. But if you’re content with a simple, semi-action film with an underdeveloped storyline and great acting, you’re in the right place.