I watched this one not knowing what to expect but for the most part enjoyed it.
As with so many films where there is an agenda that needs to be fulfilled, some of the events and situations that arise occur solely to either advance the plot or execute the predetermined narrative. This one unfortunately falls fairly squarely into this category. The screenplay is thus a little 'out there' and though this is clearly evident it isn't so obtuse that it interferes uncomfortably with your enjoyment of the movie.
The direction is pretty good, and the film is technically proficient. The tension, energy and action are all portrayed fairly effectively so the film has a nice authentic feel to it. The performances for the most part are good to fair, though in certain places it is difficult to tell if scenes are failed by the cast, or much more likely the script. I seem to be saying this far too often, but again, a little more time and effort spent on the story would have gone a long way to making this far better film. This is not to say its not decent, just that it could have been so much more.
Scott Adkins gives a solid performance as does Ashley Greene, and the supporting cast has a couple of standouts, though largely they are all fairly competent.
Some aspects of the film are a little ridiculous, but as I said earlier, they're necessary for the plot to work, and sadly they are too significant to go unnoticed. For example, when the truck breaks through the gate into the military compound a dozen or so men jump out the back and start the attack. The truck can hold maybe twenty or thirty men max, but in spite of how many are killed, both by our crack shot Seal team, and the base's military defence personnel, the numbers never decrease. If anything they seem to multiply, spawning baddies like a campaign session of 'Call of Duty'.
Ok in fairness its still quite an enjoyable movie, and this is largely due to the cast doing a good job with the material. I enjoyed it and think 6/10 is a fair score, maybe 7 at a push.
Definitely worth a watch.
As with so many films where there is an agenda that needs to be fulfilled, some of the events and situations that arise occur solely to either advance the plot or execute the predetermined narrative. This one unfortunately falls fairly squarely into this category. The screenplay is thus a little 'out there' and though this is clearly evident it isn't so obtuse that it interferes uncomfortably with your enjoyment of the movie.
The direction is pretty good, and the film is technically proficient. The tension, energy and action are all portrayed fairly effectively so the film has a nice authentic feel to it. The performances for the most part are good to fair, though in certain places it is difficult to tell if scenes are failed by the cast, or much more likely the script. I seem to be saying this far too often, but again, a little more time and effort spent on the story would have gone a long way to making this far better film. This is not to say its not decent, just that it could have been so much more.
Scott Adkins gives a solid performance as does Ashley Greene, and the supporting cast has a couple of standouts, though largely they are all fairly competent.
Some aspects of the film are a little ridiculous, but as I said earlier, they're necessary for the plot to work, and sadly they are too significant to go unnoticed. For example, when the truck breaks through the gate into the military compound a dozen or so men jump out the back and start the attack. The truck can hold maybe twenty or thirty men max, but in spite of how many are killed, both by our crack shot Seal team, and the base's military defence personnel, the numbers never decrease. If anything they seem to multiply, spawning baddies like a campaign session of 'Call of Duty'.
Ok in fairness its still quite an enjoyable movie, and this is largely due to the cast doing a good job with the material. I enjoyed it and think 6/10 is a fair score, maybe 7 at a push.
Definitely worth a watch.