Plot: What’s it about?
When asked to review a film like The Marine 4: Moving Target, one has to check one’s brain at the door. I vaguely recall the 2006 original with John Cena in the lead role and Robert Patrick as a wonderfully over-the-top villain. That film, while nothing great, still got the job done and was more than serviceable for those wanting an action fix. Since I haven’t seen the 2nd and 3rd chapters, I can’t comment on them specifically, nor can I say if it follows them at all. Truthfully, you don’t watch a movie like this for the plot, anyway. I often complain about the lack of good action flicks lately, but Marine 4 rectifies that problem. Sort of. While far from a classic (and not to mention some sub-par acting), the film offered a very enjoyable 90 some minutes of entertainment. The R rating definitely helps matters here as you’ll find no shortage of blood splatter and hardcore violence.
The plot finds Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin in the lead as Jake Carter. He is assigned to protect a “high-value package” who possesses vital information. Melissa Roxburgh plays Olivia Tanis. She is an intelligent whistle-blower on the run. As she is brought in and Carter (along with several others) transfer her, there’s an ambush. There are three SUVS traveling, and of course there are several casualties with Carter and Tanis being the only survivors. They’re also now being hunted. They make it to the safe house, but it’s only a matter of time before they’re tracked down and the body count rises. From here on out, there are a number of close encounters, run-ins with the local authorities and several other tough situations. One of the joys of the film is that it takes itself just seriously enough, but never pretends to be more than that. I mentioned that sub-par acting, but in truth, it’s about on the level one would expect from this sort of thing. Mizanin handles the physical stuff pretty well, but sometimes seems a bit stiff. Still, it’s hardly a deal breaker. The film sort of reminded me of Commando with Schwarzenegger in the lead. It lacks that film’s goofy charm, but still entertains throughout its brief running time. You could do a lot worse.
Video: How’s it look?
This is your standard “straight to video” release and I guess it’s the snob in me that assumes that just because this didn’t have a theatrical release, it won’t look good. I couldn’t be further from the truth, of course, as The Marine: Moving Target actually looks top notch. As an action movie, the locales are constantly changing, the sequences are quick and fast-paced and don’t give us a lot of atmosphere. Still, detail is impeccable, we can see the cuts and bruises on the actors’, Rachel Dawes (as Summer Rae) is certainly easy on the eyes and this glorious transfer does her justice. Black levels are strong and solid as well. I have to admit that this is a good-looking film.
Audio: How’s it sound?
As we might expect, the DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack is dynamic and active throughout the film. This is the type of movie that you turn up and just sit back and enjoy the action. Vocals are strong and solid, but the real scene-stealers are the surrounds and the LFE. They really work in concert with the fronts (which is the point, of course) to create a very immersive experience. There are car chases, things blow up and yes – even an occasional bullet is fired here and there. Suffice it to say that this sounds as good as it looks.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Firepower – An interesting little segment on the use of authenticity in the film. The training for the actors and the effects to make it look as real as possible.
- The Franchise – In case you missed the first three installments, and judging by the box offices – you did, some brief recaps are included.
- Beauty is Dangerous – The cast is profiled as well as some of the makeup used for the film.
- Sneak Peek – Trailers for other Fox films.
- Digital HD Copy
The Bottom Line
I wasn’t expecting much and thought this would be a “take one for the team” type of review, but I was pleasantly surprised. By no means is it a classic, but it gets the job done. That’s more than you can say about several recent action flicks. The plot is there to simply string along the action sequences. A better lead actor would’ve been nice, but Mizanin does his best. Give this one a rental.
