Product: The Marine [UMD for PSP] (2006)
Rating: 2.0
Hormone Happy
'The Marine' has an instant appeal. While not innovative, it sports some eye-popping pyrotechnics and chase scenes that don't give the audience a chance to catch its breath. John Cena fans will likely be enthralled, especially since his character acquires some boxing and martial arts abilities to add to his wrestling repertoire. (Nine lives don't hurt, either.) Even the threads and riveting music draw our attention; both a modest update to 'Miami Vice,' (the TV series). Seeming random at first, John Tritan (Cena) gets established as a sort of Iraq War Rambo whose prowess will undoubtedly help him save his domestic life. Coming home, he finds his new job as a security guard dull, even if it gets him on the eleven o'clock news and another chance to come home to Kay (Kelly Carlson), his pretty young wife. The plot is simple: Jewel thieves, who score hideously for keeping a low-profile, have a show-down at a remote gas station where the military couple are also filling up for a trek to leave it all behind. Cornered, they hijack their SUV with Kay left in tow.The draw of the film may be more conservative, for its gung ho military preface and a plot where the hero saves his wife. There are drawbacks for everyone, though. The acting overall is below a television par, and the dialogue is mostly flat. Taking references meant to be funny from 'Deliverance,' 'Terminator,' and 'Freddy Krieger,' the screenwriters borrow heavily because they seldom have anything new to offer. The female feistiness also seems token, like the characters were meant not to offend the audience with any vulnerable traits. (Undoubtedly, they are also drawing more ringside entertainment as well.) An understandable draw for some, 'The Marine' will undoubtedly please no matter how predictable it may seem. 'Die Hard 2' with Bruce Willis did the same story a couple decades ago and did it better.