Review of 12 Rounds (2000) by Ahaan I — 01 Jun 2010

12 Rounds simply put is a throwaway action movie starring Z-List actor/wrestler John Cena and Ashley Scott, who also starred opposite former wrestler Dwayne Johnson in "Walking Tall" in 2004.

The trailer for 12 Rounds featured one redeeming feature for me and that was the inclusion of Renny Harlin as director. Of course, Harlin's main triumph came through Die Hard 2 which was made in 1990 and save Cliffhanger (1993) he has made nothing of note since. 12 Rounds is not the movie that will bring Harlin back on top.

The plot is routine and at times, it's boring in it's predictability. New Orleans cop Dany Fisher stops a multi-million dollar heist but accidentally kills the thief's girlfriend. 1 year later, the thief breaks out of jail, kidnaps Fisher's girlfriend and starts playing 12 Rounds with Fisher for her life. Basically, Fisher must complete "12 Rounds" of challenges. He fails, she dies. The problem with the plot isn't that it lacks originality but more that it is pretty much stolen from Die Hard: With A Vengeance, the movie in which Bruce Willis has to complete challenges with the city held at ransom by Jeremy Irons. Not only that, but John Cena isn't fit to wipe Bruce Willis's backside in the acting stakes and Willis isn't exactly Laurence Olivier.

Castwise, the film punches it's weight, everyone plays their role but the actors are all clearly third string and are never going to win any awards. Aidan Gillen reminded me a bit of Edward Norton at times (through his appearance only, lol) and did Ok as the villain but for me, Brian J. White was the stand out character as Cena's partner Hank Carver. The best that can be said for the movie is that it is reasonably entertaining if nothing else is on. Give it a try if you like action movies or wrestling, just don't expect Shakespeare. Of course, if John Mclane is on the other channel, Yippee Ki Yay!!!!