What I have learned from this movie: Vin Diesel, even shirtless

Rating: 6/10 (5 March 2006)

does not a movie make.
Oh, it had it's moments. There was certainly talent in this movie. And one of the bestest exploding cars ever. And Diesel has a certain . . . charisma, even when I don't quite get the game.
But I just didn't get it. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the genre. Maybe if I was, it would have seemed more coherent, instead of a of "day in the life" mojo.
There were too many characters, too many wandering subplots, too many moments where I was going "huh?" And then not really caring.
I did like that the two major female characters weren't ditzes or helpless. The girlfriend even throws one of the best punches in the film, even though her apparent age did get close to my squick line. But good grief, you've got Vin Diesel, and the only real fight scene he's in, he's hitting someone who's already down? Maybe it's 'cause I know him through Pitch Black/ Chronicles of Riddick, but I want superhero (okay, super anti-hero) stuff. I want him in real fights. I want preternatural.
The movie might have been better if it had been more violent, more sexual. Or it might have been better if it had had a tighter plot. Or it might have been better with more things blowing up. Mmm, explosions. As it was, it was fine. But I don't think I'll be watching it again.