Locked Down (2010)

When viewed in the correct context this low budget (est. $1.6mn) action film achieves it's objective in providing the audience with mindless entertainment whilst showcasing great martial arts sequences. Yes more of the budget could have been allocated towards enhancing the production value but ultimately this hits all the key notes of an 80's formula martial arts film......a simple story that creates the backdrop from which to thread together the escalating fight sequences which attract viewers to this genre. If you're looking for a serious action film in the frame of "Bourne Identity" or even "The Expendables" then this isn't for you........if however you're in the mood for cheap thrills and casual amusement then this could be a ride worth taking.Vinnie Jones continues to deliver his trademark edgy persona as Tony Schiena uses the platform to showcase his potential to grow into a genuine Action Star in the guise of Viggo Mortensen.

As I sit here attempting to find the words to cleverly describe Lockout, I draw a blank. Instead, one word continues to repeat itself in my head over and over again: absolutely terrible. Okay, that was two words, but seriously James Mather and Stephen St. Leger (Directors and Writers) could not have directed a worse movie. Rather, it appears as if the two sat down and decided they would challenge themselves by attempting to direct a quality movie in two weeks flat. They were not successful. Lockout is about a rogue U.S. agent Snow (Guy Pearce) who is sent into space to save the President's daughter (Maggie Grace) on a floating prison. The prison, which boasts to be the safest maximum security prison in the world is taken over by a delusional prisoner during an interview. From that point on, the movie unfolds into a world-wind of confusion and mediocre action scenes which inevitably leaves viewers wondering, what just happened? Allow me to be that beacon of light and give a few reasons why movie goers should avoid this movie at all costs. There is no fluidity to this movie what-so-ever. The movie just cuts from shooting scene to shooting scene with no regard for keeping viewers informed on the plot line. More so, St. Leger and Mather attempt to maintain a subplot while given little explanation as to the importance of it. Secondly, the action scenes are dull. At one point in time ten police officers are shooting at Snow from five feet away and do not connect one single shot. A rocket launcher whizzes by Snow's head, collides with a wall and creates a gigantic hole. Thats it. Literally. No big explosions. No gripping shootouts. Not a single moment that raised my blood pressure. Instead, the characters in the movie are thrust through a maze of impenetrable metal doors and hallways that they somehow always find a way through.And if the action wasn't enough to deter someone from seeing this movie, the dialogue is comical. Here I thought I went to watch an action/thriller when in reality almost every word that came out of any given characters mouth had me snickering and chuckling under my breath. Word of advice: don't see this movie. There are so many more activities you could do like watch paint dry or read through spam emails.

At the start of the movie I wasn't expecting a top-notch film, but I hadn't been watching more than 6 minutes and got my first taste of stiff acting, which continues throughout the film. Some other reviewers wrote that the fight scenes weren't very good, but I found them generally entertaining, although they could have learned a thing or two from the film Never Back Down.Besides the acting and sheer predictability of the film, what really disappointed me was the prison-break attempt. It seemed like something added onto the script at the last minute.A large portion of the film was unpolished and haphazard, the acting of the lead was extremely poor, and was the biggest let down of the whole film. If there had been a believable lead character, I may have overlooked the other ridiculous characters, such as the Cage fighter, the female prison guard, and just about the entire rest of the cast.The concept of a police officer being framed by a mob boss that he locked up to be put into the same prison had some potential, but it was all wasted on horrible direction and a terrible cast.

Nothing new or innovating here. I didn't like some performances, especially Tony Schiena's performance, who was not convincing at all when he was talking; a bit better when he was fighting though.The whole movie was very predictable, like you seen it before and know what happens in each step. Because of the low budget, the fight scenes were mediocre at least, but overall I give it a five out of ten as it is still watchable, despite its faults.I agree with one reviewer the undisputed 3 was way better, but I guess its budget was higher too. I would be interested to know if the make any profits out of this movie.