Blood, Sand and Gold is touted as a low-budget blockbuster.  The globetrotting adventure was made for $258,000 in less than two months, and it doesn’t show.  The film isn’t modest (lavish scenery and accessories hog the screen), but the production does a commendable job disguising itself.  In spite of cutting costs, Blood, Sand and Gold is still 24 karat schlock.

Jack (Aaron Costa Ganis) is one of those scruffy rogues who recently finished a prison sentence, has a knack for kicking ass, and says things like “know why I work alone?  No accomplices”.  He also refuses to drive cars – only bikes.  Mave (Monica West) is one of those modern-day tough-as-nails heroines who has been duped, gets in a violent brawl in the ladies room, and says things like “just because I don’t like guns doesn’t mean I’m a bad shot”.

Jack and Mave team up to track down a two-timer who has stolen discovered treasure found in the Western Sahara desert.  Together, their personalities are water and oil, but they inevitably warm up to each other.  Car chases, shoot outs, and leaping parkour, I suppose, does that to some people.

Blood, Sand and Gold may be a trope-ridden action film with a silly script, but it’s exciting nonetheless.  Filmmaker Gaelan Connell (who I last saw acting in the underrated teen movie Bandslam) doesn’t question the ludicrous nature of his directorial debut, meaning he commits to making an entertaining film.  Movie goers seeking escapism will appreciate that.

Blood, Sand and Gold is a guilty pleasure, and I mean that in the best way possible.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie