Mutiny is directed by Jean-François Richet, who directed Plane, and also who once again proves to be a better action director than character developer. The film's action sequences are staged effectively, but some of the quieter scenes feel strangely undercooked. I'm not sure if Richet simply ignored certain issues or chose to use the first take in order to save money, but several moments lack the polish the rest of the film displays. Writers Lindsay Michel and J.P. Davis do a good job setting up the action and giving Jason Statham's character a believable reason to find himself out on a boat, but the dialogue can be atrocious at times. The story works when it focuses on its action, but the writing becomes a noticeable weakness whenever the characters stop moving long enough to talk.
Jason Statham, known for The Transporter and The Beekeeper, does exactly what audiences expect from him and does it well. He commands every scene he's in, bringing his usual physical presence and intensity to the role. Statham has built a career on playing capable men who can handle themselves in impossible situations, and Mutiny gives him another opportunity to do exactly that. His charisma carries the film through many of its weaker moments and makes the action feel more exciting than it might have otherwise.
Annabelle Wallis, known for Peaky Blinders and The Mummy, gives a convincing performance and does a good job with the material she's given. However, her physical appearance occasionally makes some of the action difficult to believe. Her character is able to knock out a man weighing around two hundred pounds with nothing more than a flashlight, and it stretches credibility regardless of how convincing Wallis is in the role. The performance works, but the action choreography sometimes asks the audience to suspend a little too much disbelief.
Overall, Mutiny isn't nearly as bad as some reviewers might have you believe. The dialogue is inconsistent and the character work leaves plenty to be desired, but Jean-François Richet knows how to direct action and Jason Statham knows how to carry a movie. The film also has a pro-military perspective, which may be another reason I found myself more receptive to it, even if the military itself doesn't have much to do in the story. It's far from perfect, but it delivers enough entertainment to make it worth watching. Result: B-
Comments
Post a Comment