The 1980's called, they want their movie back. The Marine would have been a sure-fire hit about twenty years ago. When I first saw the trailer and read the description, one movie popped into my head, 1985's Commando. The two movies have a little in common, just enough to make me long for some of those pure action flicks from the era.
The Marine is the second film from the new arm of Vince McMahon's entertainment empire, WWE Films. McMahon started the division to develop film concepts centered around the wrestlers in his employ. The first film released was See No Evil, a horror film focused around Kane as the monstrous killer. This time out we have current WWE Champion John Cena playing a former Marine who is out to rescue his wife from a psychotic diamond thief and his thugs.
I will say this about Vince and WWE Films, they have done a good job at developing these projects. They are not over reaching with their scope or expectations, and to that end, the films do not have to do a lot to be successful. They will quietly build a reputation, an approach that seems to be paying off. Neither of their releases are great films by any stretch, but they have both been highly entertaining.
The movie starts with John Cena, as John Triton, in Iraq, where he disobeys a direct order in favor of rescuing some of his captured comrades. This results in his discharge from the Corps, and return to his wife in the States. This is the standard way of opening an action film, it quickly establishes our star as a hero who is not afraid to break the rules in order to do the right thing, plus it has no impact on the rest of the film, outside of the character set-up.
What follows is a wild, over the top, and completely unbelievable action romp. The bullets fly, lots (and I mean lots) of stuff blows up, and in the end the good guy wins. Whoops, did I just give away the ending? I sure hope not, but did you honestly think that the bad guy would win?
Robert Patrick is Rome, the leader of our gaggle of bickering thieves. The way they act, you have to wonder how they get anything done. Well, I guess they didn't get it done here, but I am sure you see what I mean. They pull off a daring heist of a diamond shop, complete with a speech and witty one liners, but on the way out, they have a little trouble which requires them to skip town right quick.
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Article comments
1 - jim
Good Review.
So many movies like this get bad reviews but I'm always like "c'mon, what did you expect?"
The film studio advertises it by showing you exactly what to expect. Anybody or any critic who is let down only has themsevles to blame.
2 - Matt
in my opinion this film deserves 6 stars. i think writers and directors have lost the plot with movie-making, forgetting what a movie should be. most films nowadays are gang related and have tons of swearing and nudity and drug use. that's not a film. that's bad german porn.
what a flim should be is edge of your seat thrills and action packed (for an action movie). this film has it. i was quite unbiased while watching as i had no idea who John Cena was before.
anyway do not be put off by reviews, if you're an action fan who loves "gun fights, car chases, proper action and shit" (to quote Hot Fuzz) SEE THIS MOVIE you will not be dissapointed.
3 - Jarley
ok so the cast was ok... thats about it
the plot is fairly predictable, for example when the cop is actually rome's partner.. yea yea
There are way too many scenes where JC is jumping through explosions without sustaining any harm whatsoever.
The most stupid part i thought was at the end, after JC revives his wife, he totally aniahlates this dood and goes straight back to being romantic, as if he totally wasnt getting choked by a chain by a person without skin on his face.