The Taylor Sheridan Sicario sequel praised for realistic action, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, has drawn strong recognition from both military experts and critics, with some even claiming it surpasses the 2015 original in authentic combat scenes. Released three years after Taylor Sheridan’s hit film, the sequel has sparked debate among professionals over its gritty depictions of tactical engagements, despite receiving lower overall ratings than its predecessor.
Comparing the Sicario Films: Critical Reception and Action Realism
Taylor Sheridan first delivered Sicario in 2015, a movie blending crime and action while examining the brutal world of drug cartels along the US–Mexico border. Starring a female protagonist, the film was celebrated for its suspense and high drama, quickly earning a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes and building a loyal fan following. Its influence was significant enough that a sequel, Day of the Soldado, followed in 2018. Although stylish and compelling, the sequel received a notably lower Rotten Tomatoes rating at 62%, often being critiqued for not matching the narrative and emotional complexity of the original.
Despite mixed reviews, the sequel has been singled out by experts in tactical operations, leading to a dramatic re-evaluation of its action sequences compared to the earlier film. This contrast between critical score and action authenticity forms the heart of the ongoing discussion among fans, reviewers, and military professionals.
First-Hand Expert Insights on Day of the Soldado’s Combat Sequences
Former Navy SEAL DJ Shipley, with 17 years of military experience and a career dedicated to training individuals for high-risk operations, offered an in-depth evaluation of Day of the Soldado’s battle scenes. As a subject matter expert, Shipley’s method involved a careful breakdown of every tactical element presented: weapon handling, team movement, and the silent, methodical approach taken during high-stakes incursions.
Speaking with Insider, Shipley assessed how well these cinematic depictions mirrored the realities of contemporary military missions, particularly those where discretion and team coordination are paramount. His focus fell on a particular scene where military operatives execute a raid on a small building, noting the attention to detail in both preparation and execution demonstrated by the actors and filmmakers.
At the conclusion of his analysis, Shipley awarded the 2018 sequel an impressive nine out of ten for realism in its action choreography, giving the film’s depiction of military tactics a level of validation rarely seen from someone of his background. He expressed admiration for the way tension, silence, and strategy shaped the sequence, evidently raising the film’s regard for authenticity among similarly trained viewers.
The Contrasting View: Critique of the Original Sicario by Combat Veterans
While Day of the Soldado is now being acknowledged for upping the realism, the original Sicario failed to earn equivalent praise in this department from some other experts. In a separate analysis published by Insider, Bob Keller—himself a former US Army Special Forces and Delta Force operator—shared a far less favorable view of Sicario’s tactical sequences from 2015.
Analyzing several of the film’s pivotal firefights and operations, Keller criticized the lack of realistic planning and proper execution, identifying moments he deemed altogether implausible from a professional standpoint. According to this combat veteran, real-world teams would avoid the risks depicted onscreen, attributing such missteps to insufficient tactical wisdom on the part of the film’s characters and creators.
Unrealistic. Not gonna happen, or shouldn’t happen. If it does, you sucked at planning.
—Bob Keller, Former US Army Special Forces/Delta Force Operator
Despite his strong criticism, Keller acknowledged that Sicario remained an entertaining cinematic experience, conceding a seven out of ten to its action accuracy. While his score recognized the film’s compelling drama, it was clear the movie lagged behind its sequel regarding authentic procedures and combat representation.
What Sets the Day of the Soldado Sequel Apart in the Action Genre?
The apparent reversal of expectations—where the heavily scrutinized sequel is now considered superior in action realism—highlights the evolving standards for movie depictions of military and law enforcement tactics. For Taylor Sheridan, who penned both films, this marks a singular achievement: creating a sequel with more convincing operational detail than the highly lauded original, at least in the eyes of seasoned professionals like DJ Shipley.
Such a shift is especially notable considering Sicario’s continued dominance in fan and critical circles, where its gripping narrative and powerful performances have kept it highly ranked among action and crime dramas. However, the expert validation of Day of the Soldado’s action has begun to influence its legacy, encouraging viewers and critics to reevaluate its place within the franchise and genre.
Where to Watch and the Influence on Future Productions
The debate between authenticity and cinematic flair is likely to persist as filmmakers strive for increased credibility, especially when telling stories set in the high-stakes world of special operations. For now, audiences interested in forming their own opinion about the realism and excitement of these films can watch Sicario on Prime Video and stream Day of the Soldado on Netflix.
As more real-world professionals analyze and rate films for accuracy, future movies from Taylor Sheridan or any director working in this genre may be expected to invest more heavily in tactical consulting and training. For the Sicario saga, the conversation sparked by experts such as DJ Shipley and Bob Keller will remain central to its lasting relevance and to debates over what sets apart impactful, realistic action in cinema.
