My quick rating - 5.7/10. As a long-time fan of Christian Slater, I was eager to see how he would fare alongside John Cena in this flick, an action/comedy directed by Pierre Morel. The premise intrigued me enough. An ex-special forces operative takes a job providing security for a journalist interviewing a dictator, only to find themselves in the middle of a military coup and forced to survive in the jungle. Factoring in him being a lawyer and family man for the amusement in the story worked well. Cena plays Mason Pettis, the ex-special forces operative. His performance is solid, and Morel's decision to give him vulnerability instead of making him a superhuman fighter was the right choice. This added a layer of realism and relatability to his character, making the action scenes effective without being over the top. Cena's physicality is well-utilized, but it's his moments of struggle and resourcefulness that stand out. Slater, as Mason's quirky and somewhat reckless friend, offers a delightful performance. His charisma and comedic timing add a lot to the film, providing a nice balance to the action-heavy sequences. It's always a treat to see Slater in action, and he doesn't disappoint here in his limited time onscreen. Alison Brie, playing the journalist Claire Wellington, starts off as a typical damsel in distress but eventually surprises with a sudden shift to badassery. While this transition felt a bit abrupt, Brie handles it well, showcasing her versatility. Her chemistry with Cena is believable, and their banter adds a light-hearted touch to the film. Juan Pablo Raba, as the dictator, is a standout. His portrayal is well-acted, with the right amount of menace and humor. Raba's comedic timing is spot on, and he brings an unexpected charm to his role, making him one of the more memorable characters in the film. The comedy is more hit than miss. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to the strong cast and their delivery. The script manages to blend humor with the high-stakes action, keeping the tone light without undermining the tension. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable ride. The action scenes are well-executed, and the decision to show Cena's vulnerability pays off. The performances, especially from Slater and Raba, elevate the film, and the comedic elements work well most of the time. While there are some abrupt character shifts, the film manages to keep you entertained from start to finish. If you're a fan of action comedies with a good mix of humor and explosions, this one is definitely worth a stream.
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