Directed by Dave Wilson

Starring: Vin Diesel, Eiza González, Sam Heughan

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, some suggestive material and language

Bloodshot is an action film based on the comic book with the same name. The film centers around Ray (played by Vin Diesel), a soldier who is killed only to be brought back to life by a billion dollar company. Not only is he resurrected from the dead, but he is back with superpowers that include super strength and self healing. With these new powers, he would be used by others to be a weapon.

While Bloodshot is filled with cliches, it is still a somewhat enjoyable film. The opening scene is filled with action cliches that is features a soldiers going to a country and saving hostages, and ending up with a beautiful women at the end. The first half of the film is a typical action film, I can praise the somewhat twist that is featured in the film. It’s certainly not the biggest shocker, it does take a film in a different direction than I certainly expected it to go.

The action in the film is fast paced and interesting. The standouts does include an action sequence in a tunnel. While, I had fun with the action, there were several missed opportunities in the film. The main character is one that has super strength and can heal by himself, whether he gets shot or stabbed. But while the titular character is very strong and powerful, there is no sense of real danger for the character. The only danger the character faces is the main villain who can turn off Bloodshot in a second and his henchman who is a walking cliche. Yes, the action is enjoyable but there were so many things that could have been done with the action. Instead, the film plays it safe with some horrendous CGI.

For the most part, the casting in the film yields mixed results. Vin Diesel plays the same character he’s always played. He doesn’t add anything to the role and it almost feels like another actor could play the role. The film also features Lamorne Morris who displays a strong British accent in the film. While he was fun to watch at first, his jokes and quirks got old really fast. This is mostly due to the fact that the editors didn’t know when to cut his scenes. But the standouts in the film include Guy Pearce and Eiza González who give strong performances. They actually try to give more than is required in the film and I praise them for that. Every time they were on screen, I knew the scenes would be interesting.

Bloodshoot certainly has its issues but its still an enjoyable time that is filled with mindless action. The film doesn’t warrant a big screen treatment, as it would be best to view the film at home (and not just because almost all theaters are closed at the moment). Fans of Vin Diesel and the comic book will enjoy Bloodshot.

2.5/4