12 Rounds

Year: 2009
Director: Renny Harlin
Cast: John Cena, Aidan Gillen, Ashley Scott, Steve Harris, Brian White, Gonzalo Menendez


'JOHN CEEEEEEEEEENAAAAAAAAA!'

That's how it sounds when John Cena, WWE wrestling's top superstar enters the ring. Like The Rock before him, he makes a transition from wrestling hero to action hero. His last film The Marine wasn't so great though. This time WWE Films tries putting Cena back in the movies again, with Die Hard 2 director Renny Harlin in the driver's seat.

In 12 Rounds, Cena plays New Orleans policeman Danny Fisher, who successfully arrests wanted arms dealer Miles Jackson (Aidan Gillen) while the latter was running from the clutches of the FBI. In the process, Miles' girlfriend dies after being run over by a car. Miles holds Danny responsible for it.

A year later, Danny gets a call from Miles, who apparently has escaped from prison and is seeking retribution. Miles forces Danny to play a game called 12 Rounds, where Danny has to survive 12 life threatening tests. Miles begins by blowing up Danny's house and kidnapping his girlfriend Molly (Ashley Scott). Thus the game is on as Danny races against time across New Orleans on foot, in cars, buses and even a fire truck to complete the tasks Miles sets him to do. Danny is aided by his partner Hank (Brian White) and FBI agent George Aiken (Steve Harris). Aiken has spent a large amount of his time hunting Miles and ignores Danny's priority in saving Molly's life, which put the two men at odds with each other.

It's Renny Harlin, the man who gave us great actioners like Die Hard 2, Deep Blue Sea and The Long Kiss Goodnight. But he is also the guy who made the flop Cutthroat Island. He hasn't had a hit in years, and judging by the reception 12 Rounds is getting in the States, he's still gonna have to wait. But in all honesty, 12 Rounds is actually a decent movie. I was entertained enough seeing Cena play the action hero, doing all the stunts, moving from one edge-of-your-seat scene to another. It wasn't boring at all, which proves that Harlin has still got some moves worthy of your attention.

However, if you have seen Die Hard With A Vengeance and Speed, you'll find this movie all too familiar. The plot, the villain, the execution, the characters.....all borrowed from those two action classics. So you won't find anything original to admire here.

As an action hero, Cena is believable enough. He's tough and made to look superhuman at times here, but it works to a certain extent. His acting hasn't improved much though. Gillen is quite effective as the genius villain, while Harris does yet another black supporting character for an action film. But at least Harris makes his character memorable this time around.

All in all, a decent action movie. Not great, but decent. (3.5/5)