Review of 12 Rounds (2009) by Howard S — 27 Mar 2010

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be. Renny Harlin did an ok job directing, but he has done better in the past, especially with Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Long Kiss Goodnight, and Ford Fairlane.

The film needed a rewrite to develop the characters. The film reminded me of movies like Speed, Die Hard 3, and 88 Minutes. Some scenes felt like a copy from Speed. Even Cena's wardrobe in the film is similar to Keaunu's in Speed.

Cena was better here than in The Marine. I think with each acting role, he is improving. He is no Dwayne Johnson though. Aidan Gillen steals the film as the villain. He is the best thing in the movie.

I thought Cena had an ok on screen chemistry with Ashley Scott. I thought Brian J. White had a better on screen chemistry with Dwayne Johnson in The Game Plan, than with Cena in this film. Despite it's faults, it is entertaining.

It is worth watching, especially for Aidan Gillen's performance.