Today's action films are starting to develop a distinctive style which differentiates them from some of the other classic era's of action films (1950's, 1980's). The Losers in many respects is a fine example of this new style.
Adapted from a graphic novel, The Losers showcases some pretty slick CGI sequences, mixed with the quick cuts and hand-held shots which, since the Bourne films, have started to dominate the action movie genre.
The movie centers on a CIA black ops team who are betrayed by a mysterious man named Max (Jason Patric) resulting in the deaths of 25 children and supposedly also killing the squad. The team survive and are forced to hide out in Bolivia, as they are unable to get back to the US. They are approached by a woman named Aisha (Zoe Saldana, of Star Trek and Avatar fame), who offers them a way back in to the US, in return for payback on Max.
The actors in this film are often very good, with Chris Evans in particular shining in his role as a wisecracking geek, and showing why he is going to be the next Captain America, among other anticipated roles. Other actors aren't at quite the same standard, with Idris Elba essentially reprising his role on "The Wire", with mixed success.
The cinematography is very sharp, with some very memorable shots (in particular one with the glass falling being used to show Aisha jumping into the bathroom). Unfortunately it is let down by not lingering on the shots enough, particularly in the fight scenes, where one quick cut follows another with almost blinding speed.
The expansive style of the shots invokes the great Hong Kong action movies like Hard Boiled, as well as the American films of the '80's, though you feel a bit stifled by the quick cuts and the distinct lack of blood shown as a result of the low rating.
The CGI is used very effectively as well, such as the destruction of a small island by a sonic device. The devastation of the island is very well shown, with the destruction taking a few seconds (but sticking in your mind for the rest of the movie). The explosions were also surprisingly convincing, considering the $25 million budget. I wasn't completely sure if they were real or not but they definitely did the job in a pinch.
The writing is a weak link in "The Losers". The story is very light on plot, though it is high on great one-liners and references (The Matrix and Reservoir Dogs being two of the more prominent ones). The end product is a fun ride, that leaves you a bit empty at the end as a result of the lack of character development.
The resulting movie from these components is one that feels very much like a generic popcorn movie, though some great moments put it a cut above. The humour in this is really one of the key features in putting it a touch above, as I found myself laughing quite a lot through the short running time.
Overall a 3 out of 5 from me. It was a good way to spend an hour and a half, but nothing more.
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