This movie has more military setpieces than action scenes, preferring the fighter-turned-lover narrative over stock spectacle, and it works pretty well. Kurt Russell brings the perfect combination of badass and pathos to the role, and the story doesn’t get in its own way or overcomplicate things.
Closest comparison: It’s like Unchained by way of Enemy Mine.
Setting: Sci-fi
Plot: Redemption
Tone: Action
This is a teen crime movie that works better than you might expect from its low budget. Jude Law and Sadie Frost have palpable chemistry that carries the film, and the plot fades into the background as the it basks in the ambience of ‘90s British street punks. Fans of the genre will likely rate it higher, but I don’t find anarchy plots intrinsically engaging. Still, it’s a fascinating artifact of the early work of Jude Law, Johnathan Price, Sean Bean, and director Paul W.S. Anderson.
Closest comparison: It’s like Trainspotting toned down to the level of The Warriors.
Setting: Crime
Plot: Tragedy
Tone: Punk Anarchy
This movie is a fun action romp with a few glaring problems which, if overlooked, make for a very enjoyable experience. Initially it has military horror vibes in line with the directors previous films, but eventually it morphs into a love letter to the video games in its own excitable way. Ron Pearlman phones in his lines and there are several plot contrivances, but the action is excellent and the CGI vividly brings the monsters to life. Fans of the game will see a lot that they recognize, and in a few places won’t see some things they may expect. It’s one of the best video game adaptations, but that’s not a high bar.
Closest comparison: It’s like the action horror of Resident Evil (2002) that morphs into the action scenes from The Witcher.
Setting: Fantasy
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Horror, then Action
