Cleverly, the script gives characters both sassy personalities and big challenges, which builds audience sympathy. This helps the actors overcome the ridiculous set-up and inject humanity into the mayhem. Tan has an everyman quality that makes him strongly likeable. Side roles burst with snarky attitude, and perhaps too much aggressive energy. Thankfully, it's undercut with some genuinely witty dialog ("Yeah, that screech is a real turn-on"). The scene-stealer is Lawson, whose scalding banter and bravado are hilarious.

There are a few thematic touches along the way, such as how Sonia is dismissed because she doesn't have the mark, even though she's one of the fiercest warriors in the bunch. But the real show here is the fighting action, and even if it's heavily tricked out digitally, there's plenty of impressive stuntwork, as well as some cool effects moments. But it's the effort the actors and script put into the characters that keeps the story engaging, even in the movie's silliest scenes, which are frankly too many to count. tt0293429

themes, language, violence

23.Aug.21

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