🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Brian A. Miller
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 3.8/10 (5.7K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 0%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dude forgets where he hid the loot, so his family injects him with sketchy science juice while Sly Stallone wonders where his pension check is coming from.
🍿 Backtrace: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Violent Heist and Its Aftermath
A violent bank robbery goes awry, leaving Donovan MacDonald as the sole surviving thief. Shot and presumed dead, he miraculously lives, but suffers severe amnesia. The stolen money remains hidden, with only MacDonald knowing its location. The initial shootout sets the stage for the film’s central conflict and the desperate search for the lost loot.

Escape and Experimental Treatment
Seven years later, MacDonald is broken out of a high-security psychiatric facility by his son and a sympathetic doctor. They administer an experimental drug designed to restore his memories. The drug works, but triggers painful flashbacks as MacDonald struggles to piece together the events of the robbery and the location of the hidden money. This sets off a race against time and against those who want the money for themselves.

Detective Sykes’ Investigation
Detective Sykes, played by Sylvester Stallone, investigates the prison break and begins tracking MacDonald. He’s weary but determined, haunted by the original robbery and the lives lost. Sykes navigates the dangerous landscape of corrupt officials and desperate criminals as he tries to bring MacDonald to justice and uncover the truth behind the heist.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Donovan MacDonald (Matthew Modine): An amnesiac bank robber who is given an experimental drug to recover his memories and locate the stolen money.
- Det. Sykes (Sylvester Stallone): A weary detective investigating the bank robbery and the subsequent escape of MacDonald.
- Erin (Meadow Williams): A doctor involved in the prison break and administering the experimental drug to MacDonald.
- Lucas (Ryan Guzman): A fellow inmate who assists in MacDonald’s escape and the search for the money.
- Special Agent Franks (Christopher McDonald): A corrupt FBI agent seeking to recover the stolen money for himself.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Macdonald: “You can’t kill me I died seven years ago” – Macdonald says this line referencing his memory loss and former life during a confrontation.
- Macdonald: “I’ve had enough dizziness to last two lifetimes” – Macdonald says this line commenting about the side effects of the drug.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $34,977
- Worldwide Gross: $490,636
💥 Backtrace Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched this because Stallone’s name was on it, and honestly, I was pretty disappointed. It felt like he was barely in the movie! Matthew Modine did a decent job, but the plot was just all over the place. There was this one scene with the cement factory shootout that was so over-the-top it was almost funny. Overall, I probably won’t be watching this again anytime soon. Maybe if I’m really bored on a rainy day.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Sylvester Stallone”
- “Viewers interested in crime thrillers with amnesia themes”
- “Those looking for a B-movie action experience”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Gunfights”
- “Drug use”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Generic Film Reviewer: “Backtrace is a forgettable crime thriller with a flimsy plot and uninspired direction. While Stallone and Modine bring some gravitas, they’re ultimately wasted in this low-budget affair. The action is lackluster, and the script is riddled with clichés.
- Action Movie Buff: “This isn’t Stallone’s best, to say the least, and feels like a direct-to-video release. The story has potential but is bogged down by poor execution. The shaky cam and generic score add to the overall mediocrity. Only for die-hard Stallone fans.
Audience Reactions
Some enjoyed Modine’s performance despite the overall film quality.: Die-hard Stallone fans might find some enjoyment, but most found it underwhelming.
Overall Consensus: A low-budget, poorly executed crime thriller that fails to deliver on its premise, even with recognizable names attached.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film had a limited theatrical release and was primarily released on video on demand.”
- “Backtrace was filmed in Savannah, Georgia.”
- “The movie received generally negative reviews, with critics pointing to the poor script and direction.”
🖥️ How to Watch Backtrace?
As of October 2024, Backtrace is available for streaming on Tubi. It can be rented or purchased on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Backtrace, you might like these similar films:
- Acts of Violence (2018): Features similar crime and action elements with Bruce Willis in a supporting role.
- Escape Plan (2013): Sylvester Stallone in an action thriller involving breaking out of a high-security facility.
- First Kill (2017): Crime and action film featuring Bruce Willis.
🛒 Backtrace Related Products
- Sylvester Stallone: The Official Coloring Book: Color your favorite scenes from Sly’s legendary career, features Rocky, Rambo and more. A unique gift for any fan.
- Crime Thriller Movie Collection (DVD): A collection of classic crime thrillers to enjoy. Offers hours of suspenseful entertainment.
- Police Detective Role Play Costume for Kids: Let your kids play police with this realistic looking costume! High-quality fabric makes this police costume realistic
- Memory Enhancement Brain Training Game: Sharpen your memory skills with this engaging brain training game. Improve focus and cognitive abilities
🎧 Soundtrack
Backtrace features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Generic Thriller Theme” – performed by Stock Music Composer
- “Action Sequence Cue” – performed by Generic Action Music Inc.
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Backtrace was primarily filmed in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
Backtrace was directed by Brian A. Miller.
Backtrace follows the story of a bank robber suffering from amnesia who is given an experimental drug to restore his memories so he can reveal the location of stolen money. He’s pursued by law enforcement and dangerous criminals alike.
🔥 Bonus Content
محقق شرطه مخضرم يكشف عميل فيدرالى فاسد خطط لسرقه بنك بعد 7 اعوام من تنفيذ العمليه ملخص backtrace
Want to understand ‘Backtrace’ on a deeper level? This video breaks down the plot, explains the characters’ motivations, and reveals some secrets about the bank robbery. I found their insights really compelling, especially since it’s cool to see an analysis from a different cultural perspective.
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