Product: The Marine (Unrated Edition) (2006)
Rating: 3.0
John Cena's film debut, is a serviceable though unremarkable journey . . .
Some might say, that professional wrestlers are already actors to some extent. WWE Studios is dedicated to expanding the careers of those with acting talent, from the ring to the big screen. As a champion, John Cena brought an imposing physical presence, rugged good looks, and a certain flair for the dramatic, to his wrestling, and music endeavors. The Marine (2006), is a vehicle designed to showcase Cena's talents, and he acquits himself well enough, in his big screen debut, an explosive and exciting, but still rather unremarkable action thriller.Cena is ex-Marine John Triton, discharged from the service for disobeying orders while on a mission in Iraq. Returning stateside, Triton finds civilian life a little rough, and decides to get away from it all for a while, heading into the South Carolina mountains, with his wife Kate (Kelly Carlson, Nip/Tuck).At a roadside gas station, a gang of thieves on the run, ambush a couple of highway patrolmen. With their vehicle damaged, the criminals, led by Rome (Robert Patrick), and his lieutenant Angela (Abigail Bianca), slug John, kidnap Kate, and hit the road in Triton's SUV. Triton gives chase in the patrol car, in what is the action highlight of the first half of the film. The gang is left travelling on foot through the swamp, with Triton on their trail. The group make their way to a safe house. Triton arrives and takes out some of the gang, but Rome sets off and explosion, and makes his escape. Triton again has to dodge a fireball, and after borrowing a police speedboat, finally catches up to Rome. Up until the finish, Cena's fight scenes are fairly routine, but the battle between Cena and Patrick finally generates a few sparks.Although the story is rather simplistic and uncomplicated, The Marine does entertain, and provides the requisite opportunities for John Cena to flex his muscles, and exercise his fledgling acting skills. Robert Patrick (The Unit, Terminator 2) is a known talent, and brings some humor and class to the production, and he has enough physical stature to take on Cena. Kelly Carlson (who should be in more films) and Australian Abigail Bianca, mix it up, in a couple of spirited fights.Working with director Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2), the acting potential that is shown here, is more fully realized in Cena's next film, 12 Rounds (2009). Though he is still chasing after a girl, Cena's character is more well rounded, and the film features more of Cena doing his thing, behind the wheel of a vehicle.