Review of Lockout (2012) by Thomas W — 02 Sep 2012

Lockout is an updated, Luc-Besson-ed, spaced-out Escape from New York. Sadly this is simply based on an idea of Besson's and he doesn't direct it ... although not even his direction could have really salvaged the film and made it good (it isn't dreck either) or feel more original.

Guy Pearce (LA Confidential, Prometheus, Ravenous) is a (falsely convicted) ex-government agent recruited to go to a high security prison in Earth's orbit to free/rescue the President's daughter (Maggie Grace - Taken, "Lost", The Jane Austen Bookclub) from a prison riot.

She had gone there to investigate some humanitarian concerns/complaints (prisoners are frozen and stored) and because someone in her entourage doesn't follow protocal ... all hell breaks loose. It is standard sci-fi/action which offers up nothing new.

Pearce is the best thing in Lockout without doubt and he is even able to deliver some dreadful lines with aplomp and conviction. The majority of the dialogue is bad ... if half of a film's jokes are puns you can assure yourself it won't be picking up any Oscars.

The film's villains are almost all stock-characters ... a hackneyed tattooed firecracker, a steel-faced tough-talking brute etc. Other than Pearce, even the "good guys" are stereotypes. There is nothing to praise here .

.. but there is nothing to really bash either. Lockout just isn't very good. It can be entertaining; but Escape from New York is much better and more enjoyable.