The Losers

Synopsis: Members of a special-ops team search for those who betrayed and tried to kill them.

Release Date: April 23, 2010     MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre(s): Acion,

Film Review

As the credits rolled on “The Losers” something occurred to me, as bad as this film is people will enjoy it. This is not to say that the general movie going public has no taste in movies. It is simply that the film provides the loose, comedic, action driven plot that will draw people in and have them quite possibly leaving fulfilled. If they do not have expectations walking in the door that is; most do have expectations and that is why the film receives the lowest of lows for production. Marketed as a fast paced action flick with comedic undertones “The Losers” moves at a snails pace. It is only the bouts of humor that keep it alive from mainly two of the characters, Max (Jason Patric) and Jensen (Chris Evans). Max is the overtly effeminate bad guy who has no regard for human life but holds dear his ability to forge destruction and live the high life. Jensen is just another part of the team whose knack for computers runs parallel to his love for questionable t-shirts and his nieces soccer team. They are the ultimate comic relief and without them the film would suffer more than it already does. As for the plot itself, it is tired and lacking any form of originality. While also falling prey to a variety of holes and poor development. This movie is popcorn cinema at its worse.

This is an action movie, pick up the pace already! Sure, we need to know the plan and a bit about the characters but we do not need it dragged out for so long that yawning occurs and the only thing we can do to keep ourselves awake is devour whatever snack we have on hand. As for the inserts. They are a way to establish character and present an aura of mystery. When you just throw them in at specific times and give absolutely no build up to the reveal, but a few measly seconds, they come across as pointless filler. The bad guy Max (Jason Patric) may wear a fancy watch and a glove on his hand but these things are apparent when he is in full frame after you have shown us an overabundance of inserts. Just get to the point already and start killing some bad guys, jumping off buildings, and pulling off the action we came to see in the film. Again, pick up the pace!

If you like the style of freeze frames, slow motion, and inserts to show the guns firing, bodies falling to the ground, bullets penetrating, and cars exploding you will be quite satisfied. If you are looking for a more unique take on displaying action you are looking in the wrong place. Each and every scene is commonplace and recycled. The creative possibilities completely lost. Things may blow up but they do so in a manner that is not heart pounding or exhilarating. Even the music cued to these moments does nothing for the adrenaline. There may be action buts its far too simplistic in nature and what is fast becoming the stylistic norm.

Cast and Crew

• Director(s): Sylvain White
• Producer(s): Peter BergJames VanderbiltJeffrey Dean Morgan (Clay)
• Screenwriter(s): Zoe Saldana (Aisha)Chris Evans (Jensen)Idris Elba (Roque)
• Story: Columbus Short (Pooch)
• Cast: Jason Patric (Max) David ChecelScott KevanAaron Osborne
• Editor(s): Magali Guidasci
• Cinematographer: John OttmanMakeup Effects Laboratories
• Production Designer(s):
• Costume Designer: 
• Casting Director(s): Image Engine Design
• Music Score: 
• Music Performed By: 
• Country Of Origin: USA