More fun than your average summer blockbuster

Rating: 7/10 (28 August 2014)

Quite fun, with some very impressive, if improbable action sequences. It's been a while since I saw a climatic fight sequence go on so long and yet never get boring.
It's a popcorn movie to be sure. The few brief attempts at emotional depth and back-story are probably the least successful element. The over-all plot feels like a leftover from a 1980's James Bond film. And it's not a film I can imagine the need to go back to and re-see. I don't think there are extra layers to be uncovered, and the very nifty stunt and CGI work can't have the same rush of adrenaline the second time around.
But the action is deftly handled, the tension level high, the images are cool, and I got caught up in spite of myself. At least in a moment to moment way. As long as I didn't start up my bad habit of thinking about the 'big picture'.
And I'll be honest, I'm not a 'summer blockbuster action movie' kinda guy. I'm old compared to the key audience this is aimed at. I'm more at home with the new Woody Allen movie or some dark drama from Russia. So take this review with the appropriate grain of salt. But that said, I can't deny I had a good time, and smiled lot.