Action
Bloodshot
Review: ‘Bloodshot’ is Fun but Formulaic Superhero Schlock
March 13, 2020Britany Murphy
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Based on the Valiant Comics character of the same name, Bloodshot is the latest superhero film to hit the big screen. And while it doesn't boast much that is different from other movies in the same genre, it marks a return to form for star Vin Diesel, who plays a marine out for vengeance. The film begins with Ray Garrison (Diesel) on a hostage rescue mission. Upon returning home, Ray is drugged and captured by Martin Axe (Toby Kebbell), who's also holding Ray's wife, Gina (Talulah Riley), captive as a means of extracting classified information. Things quickly go south from there, however, and while Ray ends up losing his life, Dr. Emil Harting (Guy Pearce) and his team of scientists manage to bring him back to life. His body enhanced with nanotechnology, Ray becomes a nearly indestructible super soldier and is introduced to fellow soldiers who have also been enhanced in some way after suffered injuries during various missions and battles. Ray quickly forms a bond with KT (Eiza González), who can breathe underwater and is impervious to attacks in the form of inhalants, thanks on her state-of-the-art respirator system. The other two members of the team, Tibbs (Alex Hernandez) and Dalton (Sam Heughan), aren't quite as loyal to Ray, though. And when Ray begins to remember snippets of his past life, all of Dr. Harting's work and the dark truth behind his project begins to unravel. What follows is predictable at times, but the comedic elements and action sequences make up for some of the mundane bits. Each character gets their moment to shine and the fight sequences are just as good as you'd expect, although some of the CGI elements aren't as good as they could have been. Diesel's chemistry with his fellow castmates is obvious and González is particularly great in her role as KT. Likewise, Heughan and Pearce are great in their respective parts as Dalton and Dr. Harting. And while it may be difficult to picture Heughan as a bad guy, the Outlander actor does an effective job at being very unlikable throughout the film's entirety. Ultimately, though, the standout character is Lamorne Morris' tech genius Wilfred Wigans, whose perfect comedic timing makes him one of the movie's best attributes. Directed by David S.F. Wilson, the result is an easy recommendation for fans of Diesel and those who enjoy action movies in general, despite being somewhat formulaic. Whether or not Bloodshot will open the doors to a new Valiant cinematic universe is another story, but it would be interesting to see where these characters go next. Bloodshot releases March 13th, 2020 from Sony Pictures. The film has an MPAA rating of PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, some suggestive material and language. Its runtime is 1 hr. 49 min. |
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