The Bricklayer (2023) User Reviews

IMDb rating (5 out of 10) seems right to me

[niutta-enrico · 5/10 · 13 January 2024]

Action movie with average cast, good photography, great stunts, unusual location (Thessaloniki, Greece), good music and some nice dialogue (here and there).

Script, alas, had some really annoying aspects... for example: who would like to watch a man in his 50s, alone, defeating with his bare hands 30 thugs, most of them armed, one after the other, in a same scene?

Movie reality is cinematic, ok... but there are rules nonetheless: I'd say that 2 thugs should be the edge of 'realism', up to 5 you must be funny, plausible and it remains however debatable, 6 is reserved for James Bond and higher figures definitely require superheroes.

Another (violated) rule of mine says that a thug easily defeated in a previous scene cannot have such a come back and beat you to a pulp in a following sequence... anyway... that said, it was not boring: I reached the end titles in good spirits and it made me kill some time.

And I always liked Aaron Eckhart.

Enjoy.

The director used every "bloody" cliche in the book

[lenwenzellw · 5/10 · 7 January 2024]

The film is still running through my mind. While I enjoyed the film, the director used every bloody cliche in the book. Setting scenes to give the viewers a comparison impression between James Bond, and The Bricklayer. You might almost thinking they were trying to create a "Brand" so that there could be future Bricklayer films. Transparent hopes of more, when the film has so many flaws may be doomed to disappointment. Many of the scenes also had actors either posing for the scene, or either looking at the camera, or every other way except at the camera. Some of them near broke their necks avoiding looking at the camera, even when they were in very abnormal postures. The film editing was sloppy, even when a better edit would have avoided revealing the more obvious flaws.

"Bricklayer" Lays Down a Bland Foundation

[akcenat · 4/10 · 10 January 2024]

"The Bricklayer" crumbles under the weight of its own predictability. Clichéd plot-lines and illogical turns make this B-movie feel like a dusty relic from a bygone era. While promising a gritty thriller, the film delivers more eye-rolls than excitement.

The narrative cracks are evident from the get-go. Characters behave with questionable motives, and the action sequences lack punch. The cheap production values do little to elevate the experience, leaving viewers yearning for a trowel to smooth over the rough edges.

Despite its flaws, "The Bricklayer" isn't completely without merit. A few scattered witty lines and a fleeting moment of genuine suspense offer glimpses of what could have been. But ultimately, these are just bricks scattered amidst a crumbling wall.

If you're seeking a cinematic masterpiece, you'll find this film more like a pile of rubble. However, for fans of campy B-movies who enjoy a generous helping of cheese with their action, "The Bricklayer" might provide a mildly diverting afternoon distraction. Just don't expect it to win any awards for architectural brilliance.

Overall: A predictable and uninspired thriller that fails to build any real excitement. Skip this one unless you're craving a cinematic power nap. Rating: 4- out of 10 IMDb stars.

Watching Actual Bricklaying Would Be More Entertaining

[leftbanker-1 · 1/10 · 12 January 2024]

For all bricklaying had to do with this movie, it could have been called the dry cleaner, or the electrician, or the high school janitor, or the bathroom attendant, or the fast food worker, or.. I think my point has been made: stupid title.

In his first shootout, he's standing up with no cover when two assassins open fire, mostly missing him but he has a wound on his stomach that looks like a bullet hole which he seals with duct tape. Then he's in a desperate hand-to-hand battle with one of the assassins who can't shoot straight, yet our hero doesn't seem to be impeded in the least by the gunshot. In the next scene, he's wearing a tight shirt with no evidence of a wound. Maybe he's a fast healer.

An elevator at a construction site falls to the ground and explodes? What is on or in an elevator that would explode? That was rhetorical because, of course, an elevator wouldn't explode but the cretins who wrote this mess just thought it was time for an explosion. You can't have too many explosions in a really terrible movie. I always say that if there is more than one explosion in a film's trailer, it's probably a terrible movie. The trailer for this bomb had four, including the magical exploding elevator.

Move forward to the fight scene in the outdoor club and things take a turn for the unbelievable. Multiple attackers, but thankfully they only come at him one at a time so he can punch and hit them with bottles. The worst part of this is that there's this epic fight going on and the other people are still dancing. It was just so silly and stupid that had I watched this in a cinema, I would have been laughing uncontrollably. Instead, I was writing about it. As he's running away from the mayhem, his female cohort pulls up and screams, "Get in!" No, I was going to check the tire pressure first. Dumbest line in the movie so far, but there's a lot more of this lousy film to go.

We need to talk about the two stars, the boy and the girl, spy vs spy. Ugh, worse chemistry than mixing bleach and ammonia.

The novelist can't be blamed for this mess (deceased), and I haven't read his book, but the two screen adaptors should be on trial...for something. I realize that horrible writing isn't a crime, but it should be.

A standard spy thriller made from familiar parts, The Bricklayer is perfectly serviceable thanks to Eckhart as a lead and decent direction from Harlin

[IonicBreezeMachine · 6/10 · 6 January 2024]

In Greece, a high-profile journalist is found murdered while in possession of incriminating documents shedding light on the CIA's various activities in Europe of an unethical nature which sparks widespread protests and anti-U. S. sentiment abroad. Untested CIA agent Kate Bannon (Nina Dobrev) identifies Victor Radek (Clifton Collins Jr.), a former asset thought to be dead, as the culprit behind the assassination and brings it to the attention of Director O'Malley (Tim Blake Nelson). O'Malley contacts agent and Radek's former handler Steve Vail (Aaron Eckhart), who has since left the world of espionage and is working as a bricklayer. While initially uninterested in what's going on, Vail soon changes his mind when assassins hired by Radek make an attempt on his life. Partnering with Bannon to find Radek, the two work their way through Greece as Vail must also confront the missteps of his past.

The Bricklayer is an action thriller adapted from the 2010 thriller novel of the same name written by former FBI agent turned author Paul Lindsay under the pen name of Noah Boyd. Noted independent film company Millennium Media (notably of the Expendables and Has Fallen films) acquired the rights to the novel in 2011 with the intention of adapting the film as a vehicle for Gerard Butler. Nothing further was heard of the project until in January 2022 when it was announced Aaron Eckhart would star in the film. Premiering as a day and date release in theaters and VOD, The Bricklayer covers well-trodden ground for this kind of lower-mid budgeted spy action-thriller, and while it's nothing all that special it does what it's supposed to and occupies your time in the same way as an airport paperback.

In a departure from the book, the story has been switched from being set around Chicago and the FBI to being based in Greece and involving the CIA (presumably so the film has more appeal on the international market). In a way The Bricklayer feels like it's harkening back to the era of spy thrillers from about 10 or 15 years ago which were very much inspired by stuff like Europacorps success with films like Taken or the popular consciousness centered around controversies involving surveillance by U. S. agencies with things like The November Man or Erased (which also had Aaron Eckhart) churned out and filling that demand. In the time since we've seen this spy template used many times (some better than others) and while on paper The Bricklayer isn't deviating from the standard of this kind of movie, by the standards of stuff that's come out featuring Bruce Willis or Mel Gibson in similar material it helps that it has a more engaged lead and a director who knows what he's doing.

While Renny Harlin doesn't recapture his glory days of Die Hard 2, The Long Kiss Goodnight or even Deep Blue Sea (though your mileage may vary on that one), but for the budget Harlin likely had to work with he keeps the pacing tight and delivers some good action beats with the standout probably being a car chase at the climax. Aaron Eckhart is an actor I really like and after seeing him in Thank You For Smoking and The Dark Knight over 15 years ago I really hoped he'd become an A-lister, but sadly his primary output these days mainly consists of generic VOD fodder. Eckhart isn't called upon to stray too far from the brooding slightly glowering action hero archetype, but he feels more present than I've seen in comparable examples. Nina Dobrev is serviceable as Kate Bannon even if the character is more there just to serve as a foil for Vail while everyone else is basically just going through the motions.

The Bricklayer is the kind of movie that exists so it can be an option in Redboxes and streaming services and if you're looking to kill 100 minutes it'll do just that. I can't say you'll be thinking about it much an hour after you see it when it inevitably blends in with similar films like Survivor or Unlocked, but you can do worse.

Who green-lights these movies?

[srdikano · 3/10 · 7 January 2024]

I don't understand who green-lights these movies. Did no one read the script before they started shooting? This is just so freaking mediocre.

Writing: the story is derivative as hell and dumb AF, there is no character development at all, and the dialogue is uncomfortably cringeworthy.

Acting: Aaron Eckhart is a good actor, but in this movie, no one delivers a remotely decent performance. Especially Nina Dobrev, who at least in this film, brings no range whatsoever, no chemistry with the lead actor and a truly amateur performance. The support cast is no better.

Directing: a disjointed and incoherent mess with nothing but a few passable action sequences to pacify the tedium.

I strongly encourage the writers to hang up the gloves. When ChatGPT can do a better job than you do, it's time to look into a different line of work.

Pure action fun

[hiside-64664 · 6/10 · 17 January 2024]

This is kind of movies that you just make popcorn and some beers and enjoy it for pure enjoyment. Good action scenes make it very enjoyable and some John wick similarity which is ok because that was the intention after all a movie to enjoy.

Acting was good and some surprises in the plot although some big holes in the plot but who cares as long as you spend some time enjoying it without thinking but to be honest I really wish they would do part two cause at some point you say the ending is worth another part.

My recommendation for all those who like to watch a movie and not put a lot of mental effort is to go and watch it.

I am a great Aaron Eckhart fan, but this movie flopped

[imseeg · 4/10 · 5 January 2024]

I went to see it because of the name of the great actor Aaron Eckhart on the bill. Contrary to many others, I do still really appreciate many of his latest movies, but this is definitely not one of them...

The bad: Aaron Eckhart does a good job at acting, it's not his fault this movie flopped, but his opposing leading actress has got ZERO charisma or chemistry. Who decided to cast her? She acts like she walked straight of the set of a cheap television soap series. A total nobody.

This whole movie has got a cheap look and feel. But let's forget about all that for a moment, the only crucial question left is: has it got riveting action or suspenseful plot turns. NO!

Aaron Eckhart fans be warned, he does still act well, but this movie is quite a tedious dread to watch.

Aaron Eckhart entering his Liam Neeson phase of career

[allcelebritiesarebald · 7/10 · 11 January 2024]

You know the older experienced guy kicking ass, killing dozens of bad guys. There is probably a hundred scripts written for Liam Neeson and now the weaker ones are being made with a cheaper actor. Personally I'm all for it, Aaron is really good and I hope he starts churning out 2-3 of these a year.

So yeah the story is meh, but Nina Dobrev is a nice counterbalance and it's mostly action, if you liked your average Liam Neeson flick in the last 10 years you will like this also.

Personally I liked this movie the most from recent action capers with Eckhart, so if you've seen any of those and moderately enjoyed them don't miss this one.

Not terrible, but flawed.....

[the-ogster · 5/10 · 8 January 2024]

This should have been much better, good cast, decent acting, but badly put together, and with the Worst sound staging I've ever heard in a "proper" movie ..

Very much a tale of 2 halves, the production, and production values are fine, top tier as you would expect from a seasoned cast & production...

But then when it came to the post production editing/sound boarding and the nuts & bolts of putting something like this together, it was rushed and thrown out the door... Studio problems, a Hard deadline, I dunno, but it was done very poorly, imagine doing a job for the first time, once it's done your proud and happy of what you made, then years down the line, once you've really learned your craft, you look back at it and can't believe how bad a job you did compared to how you would do it today...

That's how I felt watching this.... Started by a top dollar production company, then put out the door by the local youth club...

It's genuinely interesting to watch just for the flaws, and to try to figure out where it went pear shaped ......

Fun while it's on. Not high art but very enjoyable.

[kentchurch · 8/10 · 25 March 2024]

I don't know what people expected from this film. Sure it's not Did Hard or anything, but it's a serviceable thriller while it's on and the action scenes are good and Eckhart is immensely watchable.

If you go into Bricklayer expecting high art or Oscar worthy performances, you'll be bitterly disappointed. If you going wanting a nice little thriller with domd good action scenes and a cool hero, you should be entertained.

I paid twenty bucks to watch this and I was quite happy by the end. Renny Harlins direction is sharp and Eckhart is perfect. My only gripe is the midsection dragged but that's it.

I've seen bigger budgeted films that were awful compared to this. Give it a go. It ain't that bad.

Bricklaying without cement

[briandb-30335 · 6/10 · 6 January 2024]

So much wasted potential of an original story.

Character development is almost near zero, feels rushed, besides that one memory he has there is almost nothing, could at least have like an prologue that includes the actual bricklaying, instead of just showing it under 3 minutes to introduce the character.

Action is a bit original in ways never seen before, like the sledgehammer scene, just taking out a scaffolding where a shooter stands upon as an example. Sadly camera movement felt also a bit rushed.

I gave this a 6/10 since its still an original story and Aaron Eckart just, but barely, saves this movie from downfall, would have expected more from this movie especially from the director of Die Hard 2.

yawn

[walter-de-rooij · 3/10 · 7 January 2024]

I don't know what to tell you. I generally love spy thrillers even though most of them objectively suck. This one though... Lazy script writing, dumbest action scenes I've seen in a while, overacting and way too predictable.

Go in with super low expectations and maybe it won't be so bad for you.

I've watched my share of bad movies and usually enjoy them somewhat anyway. This one though... ah well, I'm only 1 hour and 20 minutes into it. Maybe the end will redeem the movie but I'm not holding my breath.

On the bright side... uhm... errr... uhmm... ok, you go and find me a bright side for this one.

This just doesn't work

[Xavier_Stone · 1/10 · 11 January 2024]

Aaron does about a good a job as he can with this mess of a movie and it's still not enough to save it from sinking. For one thing, Nina doesn't fit in this at all, and she has zero chemistry with Aaron. The fight scenes are terrible, camera work is poor and the entire story doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

The process of using everyday blue collar jobs as background character hit men is getting old. It doesn't add anything to the movie, nobody cares if we have 4 minutes of screen time with a character doing mason work, or tending to bees or what have you. Save those 4 minutes of background and use it on a flash back or training or something.

This is just a simple story, and as others have said it's more of a Turdlayer than anything else. Low effort film from the same guy who produced Cutthroat Island paired with a 1st time writer. How is anyone surprised that this isn't anything more than a 1star film?

For those who like this kind of movie...

[wehling-77680 · 7/10 · 15 April 2024]

...this is the kind of movie you will like. I'm not sure why all the bad reviews. There's good action and Aaron Eckhart does his usual good job. The bad guys are bad, the good guys and ladies are good, and the International scenery plays out very well.

I like the interplay between Eckhart's character and the two female leads. It was different between each one and added to the plot.

As someone with some martial arts training, I can tell you the fight sequences are well staged, although I must say that the characters can really take a punch. There are some pretty hard hits in there that would have laid me out most days.

A good movie to watch while you are on the treadmill!

Bad Dialogue

[phiup · 1/10 · 7 January 2024]

I think Aaron Eckhart is good. I know he doesn't do great films but I don't think he gets enough credit for the films he does do.

This film however was marred by bad dialogue. I mean cliche riff to cliche riff...I'm surprised they didn't throw an, "I'll be back" in there just to complete the insane laziness that this film was written with.

Then the on screen chemistry between Eckhart and Nina Dobrev was putrid. In one scene she literally giggled like a school girl at one of Eckhart's cheese ball lines...but yet they both are professional assassins/spies. Yawn.

The story itself wasn't terrible...if you strip some of those cheese ball lines out.

Oh and brick laying....it literally played no role in movie at all....not in the way that other movies incorporated some passed-life-skill into the movie.

Horrible waste of time.

The Bricklayer is a kick-ass old school actioner

[dima-12 · 7/10 · 6 January 2024]

After a decade of globetrotting and attempts to evangelize Hollywood-style filmmaking in China and Arab world, Renny Harlin returns to stuff he does best.

Nine years ago, Aaron Eckhart starred in a masterful Philipp Stoelzl actioner Erased and in hie team up with Harlin he channels some of the good stuff that film brought us.

It's not just that Harlin is doing stuff he does best. It's also that he has the production environment that suits him.

He has a great cast and above all a game cast. He has Avi Lerner's Bulgarian action specialists in tow to inflict pain and have pain inflicted upon them. He has Greek locations that look great, like some shabby version of Italy. And he has 20 million bucks to spend.

And oh boy - he does deliver.

Aaron Eckhart is a great actor and he can be an action leading man anytime. Nina Dobrev found her footing here easily even though she comes from other genres. Ifenesh Hadera is femme fatale incarnate. Clifton Collins is a great villain and Tim Blake Nelson could do the ball busting boss in his sleep.

Action is old school. No gimmicks. No funny stuff. It's bone crunching fights, flesh piercing gunfights and high powered car chases. It's really well done.

Jason Bourne hit the Athens' Syntagma Square in the eponymous Paul Greengrass comeback to the franchise. Bricklayer continues where he left off and finds a nice milieu for the chicanery in volatile Greek politics. The script isn't a gamechanger but it's actually pretty decent when it comes to the setting and to the mismatched investigators element with Aaron Eckhart as a seasoned field operator and Nina Dobrev as a desk jockey trying to unleash her inner Jack Ryan.

This film could have been better. But I am not sure I would like it as much if it was.

You called me.

[nogodnomasters · 3/10 · 18 January 2024]

Victor Radek (Clifton Collins Jr.), believed dead is murdering anti-CIA journalists in Greece and framing it on the CIA who might want them dead. Steve Vail (Aaron Eckhart) is a CIA field agent in retirement as a bricklayer in Philadelphia (The occupation is used later to zero surprise.) He is assigned to get Radek, a man he supposedly killed. First-time field assignment Agent Bannon (Nina Dobrev) is to go with Vail who has been out of the agency for a long time and he is not welcomed in Greece. Once they get in Greece, Vail calls in old favors to help him find Radek as we discover he is part of a back story.

Aaron Echhart was boring in a boring, poorly scripted role. The plot and characters lacked excitement. A film you will forget the moment the credits run.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Part James Bond, Part John Wick, but on par with neither.

[destroyerwod · 6/10 · 9 February 2024]

As i watched the trailer for this, i got some John Wick vibes where one retired guy is brough out of action and go on a wrecking trip against tons of bad guys. Turn out the movie is inspired a bit more by James Bond with the spy stuff while still retaining a bit of the John Wick vibes in some fights. Yet it does not get close to either of them in term of how good it is, while not being a terrible movie either.

The story while not anything special is decent enough to keep you interested, with some twists and turns along the way. Aaron Eckart (Vaile) and Nina Dobrev (Kate) have good chemistry and work well together.

When it comes to the action, you can sense they made efforts to put something visually fun, while at the same time hiding the fact that Eckhart is no Jason Statham or Scott Adkins. Basically stylish camera work and slowmos, more grounded type of fights. Overall that worked fine with me.

You do have to suspend your disbeliefs a bit much in some parts but its an action movie, that is something rather usual. That said, there was a few times i wonder if Vaile was not actually a Terminator or something, because it was pushing the "suspend your disbeliefs" concept a bit far.

I watched this movie in its original english language. As a French Canadian native i usually watch my movies dubbed in French but ocasionally watch stuff in english as well and normally i don't have much problem but there was some parts in this i really had trouble understanding what was said, especially from Aaron Eckhart.

I did read from another reviewer mentioning bad sound mixing. So its either that, Eckhart mumbling his lines a bit too much, or maybe its just me.

Overall this is one of those action movies that did its job. It entertained me for +/- 2 hours with a few beers, i wasn't bored, but its not one i will likely ever watch again. Flawed for sure, but decent. To watch on a streaming service with your subscribtion.

Cliche Story holds this down

[dubond · 5/10 · 8 January 2024]

The Bricklayer is directed by Renny Harlin and stars Aaron Eckhart and Nina Dobrev.

This week is The Bricklayer next week is The Beekeeper. Going to be honest for a direct to video action movie dumped In the first week of January I was expecting a lot worse. Don't get me wrong this definitely has a lot of issues but for a DTV movie this looks pretty professional likely due to veteran action director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger) behind the camera and the Greece location actually gives this movie a sense of vibrancy and color throughout.

It was nice to see Aaron Eckhart in something again. Although after watching this I was curious on what the hell happened to his career and upon further investigation I found out that Eckhart is actually a notorious method actor so my guess is he rubbed some people the wrong way and he can't get any mainstream work anymore which is sad if true because I think he is talented. Counting this I've now seen Nina Dobrev in three movies and I'm kind of suprised she's not a big mainstream actress by now she possesses all the qualities to be one in my opinion but when she has movies like XXX: Return Of Xander Cage, The Out Laws, and now The Bricklayer on her resume you got to wonder if her agent is the problem.

So two likable lead actors, and a well shot and semi professional looking movie but unfortunately the overall story is what lets this movie down. It's just very cliche, very paint by numbers you've seen this a million times before and it's not done particularly well here either. There's a third act twist that you could see coming a mile away if you know how basic storytelling works also. Not sure if Renny Harlin and Eckhart will want to reunite for a potential sequel but honestly why wouldn't they because what else do they have going on these days.

its an action movie

[kaefab · 8/10 · 8 January 2024]

Its an active movie, why are people getting all worked up once more.

Aaron Eckert can act, he is amazing in all is roles, despite his age he is fit and he can do some great fight scenes.

I will admit that the title of the movie might be off and could have been better because the bricklayer he kind of works for 5 minutes for construction at the start of the movie.

But after that get ready for a fun rollercoaster ride of none stop action.

Not sure why people are giving this movie a bad rating or low score, most action movies are just that action.

I honestly love it and its a great addition to the gender.

Its basically a fun time to pass two hours. Also Nina Dobrev is one beautiful women.

Entertaining, in the wrong way

[rivervalo · 25 January 2024]

So, the Greek minister gives a speech to the Greek people during an anti American protest, in ENGLISH? Really?

The scene at the night club is beyond laughable. There is a gunfight and people keep on dancing? And the club owner with his gang.. There isn't an ounce of Greek blood in those boys, especially the way they are dressed and those neck tattoos

The scene at the Plateia Emporiou is equally laughable. All those people, wrong accents, wrong faces, wrongly dressed, a woman is being beaten and no one intervenes.

The subway does not work in reality, the voice announcing the arrivals and departures has a foreign accent, bell boys do not wear a uniform, neither do waiters.. I can go on but I won't.

The Bricklayer

[tpsimpleman · 6/10 · 12 February 2024]

Title: The Bricklayer Genre: Crime, Thriller

Review:

"The Bricklayer" is a gripping crime thriller starring Aaron Eckhart that delves into the dark underbelly of organized crime. While the director remains unknown, this film showcases Eckhart's talent as he delivers an intense and convincing performance.

The story follows Jack Davis (played by Aaron Eckhart), a skilled bricklayer who finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of corruption and deceit after witnessing a murder committed by a powerful crime syndicate. Faced with imminent danger, Jack must navigate through treacherous territory to protect his own life and those closest to him.

One of the highlights of "The Bricklayer" is Aaron Eckhart's portrayal of Jack Davis. Known for his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters, Eckhart doesn't disappoint in this role. He brings a sense of vulnerability and determination to Jack, making him relatable and easy to root for throughout the film.

While the director remains unknown, it is evident that they have crafted a well-paced narrative that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. The screenplay offers enough twists and turns to keep viewers guessing about the true motives behind each character's actions. The suspense builds gradually, leading up to an explosive climax that ties up loose ends while leaving room for interpretation.

The cinematography in "The Bricklayer" adds another layer of intensity to the overall experience. Darkly lit alleyways and atmospheric settings create an eerie mood that perfectly complements the gritty nature of the story. Additionally, well-executed action sequences provide thrilling moments without overshadowing character development.

However, despite its strengths, "The Bricklayer" does suffer from some drawbacks. The lack of information regarding the director may lead to inconsistencies in terms of vision or execution throughout certain scenes. Additionally, at times the plot may rely on familiar tropes seen in other crime thrillers which could lessen the film's impact on audiences seeking something fresh and innovative.

Overall, "The Bricklayer" is a solid crime thriller that benefits from Aaron Eckhart's strong performance. With its engaging storyline, well-crafted suspense, and impressive cinematography, this film offers an enjoyable cinematic experience for fans of the genre. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling or directorial vision, it remains an entertaining watch that showcases Eckhart's talent as a versatile actor.

GARBAGE

[sswren1 · 2/10 · 6 January 2024]

I like Aron so this pains me to say.

When I was a kid I couldn't play with toy cars that weren't the same scale. Some kind of weird pre adolescent OCD I guess but it had to make sense to me.

This has carried over to adulthood and this movie falls into the category that I just can't play with it.

So he goes to the nightclub and takes out every thug with one punch in a way that would make Steve Seagal look like Jim Carrey. Five minutes later, in one of the thug's apartment and gets beaten to a pulp.

Nah. Leave me out of that. I turned it off at that point. Watched it on Flixtor and even that was too expensive. Gosh it was bad.

A disappointing waste of time

[cambell-bennett · 1/10 · 7 January 2024]

The point of an action movie is to have good action sequences. There's always a leggy girl (Nina Dobrev is super pretty) and a damaged, tough exterior but soft hearted hero (Aaron Eckhart is craggy but needs a shave for most of this). There's likely to be a double cross too, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get that far in this movie. The fight sequences are brain meltingly poor, with super rapid jump cutting from cameras that have no logical position and are frequently at different heights and angles so the spaces are not clearly defined and you can't actually follow what's happening. It's the worst hyper smash cut editing I've ever seen. The director also seems to think that smashing people into the scenery and breaking a spit ton of sugar glass (along with a hugely OTT score) constitutes a fight scene. There is also the problem of the hero's shifting abilities. In a gang fight our boy is John WIck levels of awesome, taking out 15-20 goons with one punch or judo move as well as disarming them and popping the mags out of their guns (because the bad guys haven't chambered a round). But when it's one on one the hero suddenly becomes Ed Norton in Fight Club, pummeled for 3-4 minutes before just managing to overcome the goon, even when it's one of the goons he just took out with one punch 5 minutes ago in a bar fight. A disappointing waste of time.

Shame on me I watched it to the end. Further thoughts: Mr Eckhardt leans fully into the 21st century macho whisper, where he almost never speaks in a normal speaking voice (I believe this was pioneered by Keifer Sutherland in 24 but it might have been an animated Batman thing first) so you kind of need the subtitles given the volume of the SFX and score throughout. Oh, and Director Harlin hired 150-200 pretty girls in skimpy dresses to dance in the 2 minute nightclub scene and 12 extras to act like 2 different protesting crowds in the rest of the movie. You will get dumber if you watch this movie.