Some reviews were actually okay for this (at least on some of the movie review sites I read) so I went in not expecting a lot but part of me thought, maybe this would turn out pretty good. I was wrong.
I’d count myself a fan of Vin Diesel. Seems like a cool guy and although he doesn’t have much range, I like his one-note character and personality. Part of me wishes we had the “serious actor” Diesel we saw hinted at in Saving Private Ryan instead of the action star today only because I think he can do better things but I like his action stuff. I’ll absolutely go to bat for Riddick anytime. Love that series.
After a promising opening action scene (that was very well put together), things start going down hill. The core problem here is the script which uses constant deus ex machina tricks to conjure plot lines (that were never even teased) into existence. For every problem the characters face, there is some random explanation or solution (never before hinted at) that is made up to keep the story moving.
The dialogue is also some of the worst I’ve seen in a Vin Diesel film. Because the script is so confusing, the characters have to tell the audience what is happening with inane lines like “she did it” or “he’s saved us”. Seriously, I can’t believe this was a black list script. Just look at IMDB’s “quotes” section on this film to get a taste of how on the nose and ridiculous the dialogue is (and those lines in IMDB are supposed to be the best in the film!)
Add another strike for the constant shaky cam and much-too-zoomed-in action shots making the action too often, totally incomprehensible. It’s fun only because it is so easily mocked. You’ll be constantly face-palming over the bad dialogue and indiscernible plot but you’ll have fun doing it.