#377. Criminal games

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12 ROUNDS
Directed by Renny Harlin
Starring John Cena, Aidan Gillen, Ashley Scott, Steve Harris, Travis Davis, Brian White, Gonzalo Menendez

A CROSS between Die Hard and TV series 24, 12 Rounds is a good old-fashioned action movie, complete with the prerequisite car chases, explosives and life-or-death situations.Special effects, which can sometimes overshadow the script, are kept to a minimum with greater emphasis on the non-stop action and dialogue.Hell hath no fury like a villain provoked, as New Orleans police detective Danny Fisher (John Cena) unfortunately discovers.

When Fisher attempts to take thief Miles Jackson (Aidan Gillen) into custody for a multi-million dollar diamond heist, Miles’ girlfriend is killed as she tries to escape.In true criminal fashion, Miles soon breaks out of prison, vowing to avenge his lover’s death.A cat-and-mouse game ensues as the detective is forced to live his worst nightmare: being a pawn in a bizarre game that sees him fighting for this life in “tests” (12 in all) set up by the lethal mastermind — such as stopping a speeding tram gone out of control or avoiding being crushed to death by a falling lift.

Miles holds Fisher’s girlfriend Molly (Ashley Scott) hostage to draw him into his game.The movie will have pulses racing as viewers watch Fisher race against the clock to save Molly from death by explosives.While a good watch overall, there’s nothing particularly special about 12 Rounds. The script is rather predictable and the plot hardly ground-breaking.

But its intense pace of action is nothing short of riveting. As director Renny Harlin put it, “Even the dialogue is spoken on the run; there is never a moment’s rest.”

What it lacks in originality, however, is more than made up for by its cast.

Former wrestler John Cena gives a stirring portrayal of strength and vulnerability as he tears through town to save the woman he loves. And the chemistry between Cena and Scott is believable.FBI agent George Aiken (Steve Harris) is also good as the traditional tough-guy agent with a soft heart.His single-mindedness in taking Miles down is fodder for conflict with Fisher whenever he puts Miles’ capture before Molly’s safety.

It’s Gillen though who steals the show. Slick, sophisticated and a tad psychotic, he plays his villain to perfection.His cool, detached persona is chilling to watch as he laughingly plans mayhem, death and destruction with Fisher in mind.

Though nowhere near Heath Ledger’s legendary Joker, Gillen does a commendable job.

Source : The New Straits Times