Writer: Lai Swee Wei

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Watch this if you liked: "The Chronicles of Riddick", "xXx"

Vin Diesel is commonly known for action films in which he plays the hero that either protects innocent people or saves the world. Nothing new here, as he is set on his latest mission to smuggle a young woman named Aurora (Melanie Thierry) from a convent in Kazakhstan to New York City. Kassovitz, the director decided to characterize Aurora as a very unique person, but even then, it didn't give the movie that much pizzazz. They could've done it a lot better, at least made it a little bit more sensible instead of throwing random issues at her to face - both physically and mentally.

The shooting scenes in the movie were perpetually bogus, absolutely unrealistic to the core. But then again, that's how the majority of action films are - a thousand and one bullets shot by the bad guy, and all that is needed was just one mere bullet shot by our hero to end it (Apparently, it doesn't get any better than this folks!).

There are a few eye-popping effects that will leave you impressed. Well, at least something for the audience to admire, since the shooting scenes are pitiful to watch. The fighting scenes are entertaining and well choreographed.

Michelle Yeoh plays Sister Rebeka who is Aurora's Guardian. This peaceful, God-fearing lady who claims to have not touched a gun all her life, impressively fights and shoots like a pro! Looks like someone has a natural hidden talent, either that, or the Convent in which she was brought up forgot to mention, "Thou shalt not lie".

Kassovitz sets his film against a global stage, hurtling the action from Eastern Europe, across the ocean, through Alaska and Canada and ultimately New York. The effects of the modern-day look of New York was beautifully done and well structured to look rather believable.

The ending came off totally unexpected, in an unnecessary way and didn't come off as a great ending to an action film. Overall, this movie is still worth a watch if you're a fan of action films or even Vin Diesel himself.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008