Review of Collide (2016) by Orlando O — 27 Jun 2017

Collide is a cheesy action film that feels like it would have worked in the 1980s/1990s era for the genre. Do not get me wrong, Collide was a decent action film with tons of car chases and action. May not be inventive or big exciting action but just decent enough to enjoy it for what it is. It also has a dumb plot that does not bring anything fresh to the table. The acting is mediocre with the two leads and horrible with the two antagonists played by Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley. And least, the script has some cheesy horrible dialogue that does not seem believable that characters would say that in real situations.

The plot follows Casey (Nicholas Hoult) who lives in Germany for a fresh start after his troubles with America. He and his buddy work for a drug dealer Geran (Ben Kingsley) where they are money runners. Casey decides to cut quits when he falls for a bartender Juliette (Felicity Jones). They both share a romantic stare, were they both will risk everything for each other. When Casey finds out that Juliette is struggling with a health condition and would need money to give her that treatment. He takes Gerans money running offer in sabotaging and stealing one of the drug dealers competition Hagen (Anthony Hopkins). When things do not go as planned and Casey is on the run with Hagen's men after him for stealing their money. Casey will do whatever it takes to save the one he loves.

The plot is pure dumb fun. Sure, it would make a forgettable film. The sub plot with the love story at times felt very cheesy. The direction of seeing Casey and Juliette having plenty of passionate stares and glances in film does feel out of place for this type of film. But it does relate with the theme that anyone would do anything for love. Even, if it requires stealing several cars, being in high speed chases and crashing several cars. Overall, it was fast paced and once the chases and action starts it never slows down from there.

Nicholas Hoult and Felicity Jones were both decent, delivering okay performances. Anthong Hopkins performance felt stale. He is a great actor and I enjoy almost about any movie he is in. his talent is completely wasted in this film. Ben Kingsley performance also felt out of place as a pimp cocaine loving dealer. Kingsley performance felt like he was playing the same character from Iron Man 3. Felt like he transitioned from that film to this.

The script has some cheesy tacking dialogue. It is eye rolling dialogue, especially with the love sub plot on Casey and Juliette. The action and car chases were entertaining and plenty throughout. It is not as exciting and thrilling it is suppose to be. At times, the direction is dull which it would make this film completely forgettable once it ends.

Overall, Collide is a fair action film that's only worth checking out as a rental and if you need some cheap action thrills with mediocre acting, terrible dialogue and a dumb plot.