Directed By: McG
Written By: Adi Hasak & Luc Besson
Story By: Luc Besson
Cinematography By: Thierry Arbogast
Editor: Audrey Simonaud
Cast: Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Connie Nielsen, Halilee Steinfeld, Eriq Ebouaney, Richard Sammel, Tomas Lemarquis
A dangerous international spy is determined to give up his high stakes life to finally build a closer relationship with his estranged wife and daughter, whom he's previously kept at arm's length to keep out of danger. But first, he must complete one last mission - even if it means juggling the two toughest assignments yet: hunting down the world's most ruthless terrorist and looking after his teenage daughter for the first time in ten years, while his wife is out of town Another film from what seems to be the Luc Besson action Factory of films either written by him or films he produces and comes up with the stories for. Usually filmed in Europe and starring an actor with international appeal. Though once in awhile he does go back to directing films, but over the years he seems to have made an industry out of these actions films beginning with the TRANSPORTER series. Over the years the films seem to fit a certain niche, though have become predictable and the quality has gone down. The bloom has come off the rose and we are now here with this film
The film begins quickly and simply with some rather bland exposition. We get right into the action. That proves to be big, but not exciting. It feels like a copy and worse it feels more contained then wild.
Other than a quick briefing, not entirely clear why Kevin Costner's character must be the one to do these missions other then the plot demands. Especially near the where the end Costner's character has a epiphany and his benefactor still make demands on him even though he seems majorly injured. Then does what she asks herself. It still ends up no harm no foul.
The films sentimentality gets sickening a bit now and then, bit the film needs it's light moments between the action. As the film instantly also seems to use violence and Torture of characters as part of it's humor.
Kevin Costner seems a bit too square for his role here though that might be why he is the star of the film. He seems too much a middle class guy to be truthfully considered a spy. I can admit I am no his biggest fan, but he does add a certain gravitas to the role. Giving the role a little more depth then it deserves as he has the lived in flamboyant yet rigged type down cold. It works in grounding the film with some kind of minor quality.
While reminding us this is what happens when you can't get Liam Neeson or he has somehow priced himself out of these types of films.
Kevin Costner surprised me as now all of his more modern screen roles seem to be the proud, skilled expert. With the man dog expressionless lead, who's best years are behind him. Yet surprisingly now will have an unexpected life changing adventure.
As Kevin Costner star dwindled. He basically stayed usually in lead roles while becoming more of a character actor. Though somewhat limited he actually always still has thy star glimmer. It might just be the way he holds himself.
The action sequences are plentiful. And the film looks doll and clean. Though it never comes off as smart. Especially with the miracle experimental drug sub-plot that drives the story in the first place. The film uses it to subvert he cliché father trying to bond with child who doesn't know said father is secretly a spy, or assassin.
I was surprised the film was directed by McG he doesn't necessarily have a defining style other than making things look glossy. Here he direction seems slick, but all over the place. Leaving the film to feel like a mixture of action film clichés. Leaving the film to be by the basics and easily forgettable.
Even the humorous additions to the story that seem strange yet oddly make the film seem to have humanity are little pleasant surprises and is cute. The only times that might actually brig a smile to your face. That are actually more fun than the action and would help the film standout if they didn't feel cloying and manufactured to manipulate the audience. Rather than be honestly heartfelt.
The informants whole interrogations seem a little too quirky and likeable to be believed to be caught up in This scheme at least try help move the film along and be entertaining. Other than to add some skin now and then and drive the plot there seems to be no reason for Amber heard or her Character to be in this film. As she already seems to be in another futuristic sci-fi one. So that when she shows up it is fun, though feels different from other scenes in the film.
The scenes between Costner and his onscreen daughter are touching to a degree. Though it leaves his daughters depth of relationship with her boyfriend vague an questionable as he looks like a man as she still resembles a little girl.
Grade: D+
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