12 ROUNDS (Fox, 2009) D: Renny Harlin, w/ John Cena, Aidan Gillen. Rating: NNN DVD package: NNN Rating: NNN
12 Rounds zips right along, a non-stop carnival of shooting, vehicle-crushing and things blowing up delivered in a choppy, caught-on-the-fly style that offers energy, realism and a good ground-level look at New Orleans. Action fans should be very happy.
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John Cena fans may be less thrilled. The movie rigorously avoids big brawls designed to show off his pro-wrestler moves. Likewise, it avoids taxing his non-existent acting chops. That’s fine. He’s comfortable on camera, and his real job is to run and risk his life. He’s good at that.
Cena plays a cop forced into 12 life-threatening tasks by a smart crook (Aidan Gillen) who’s kidnapped his girlfriend, a ridiculous premise that works perfectly to start the action and keep it moving till the end.
Taken together, director Renny Harlin’s commentary, the gag reel and the stunt doc provide an entertaining and informative look at the process.
EXTRAS Director commentary, writer and star commentary, gag reel, stunt doc, more. Widescreen. English, French, Spanish audio and subtitles.
