Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater
Rating: R
Runtime: 91 min.
“Bullet to the Head,” based on the crime noir graphic novel “Du Plomb Dans La Tete,” is certainly graphic but offers nothing novel. The stereotypical action flick follows hitman Jimmy Bobo (Sylvester Stallone) and self–righteous Detective Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang) as they join forces to stop a conspiracy involving greedy businessmen, corrupt cops and other action movie cliches.
The plot and characters are just tools to engineer more reasons for shooting, but even that leaves something to be desired. As much as I want to make fun of Stallone for doing yet another action movie, the charm, humor, and self-awareness he brings to his character help make this movie watchable. On the other hand, the weakly defined Detective Kwon relies on an unnecessary love story, Asian jokes and the audience’s preconceived ideas of the goody–two–shoes cop for characterization. Christian Slater appears as a villain whose purpose is to spew out backstory and act like a jerk, while Jason Momoa (“Conan the Barbarian”) fills a role that calls on his experience as a scowling, axe-swinging barbarian.
Bullets may fly during action sequences, but the excitement dies quickly when there’s no sense of stakes or real danger. For example, in one scene, a main character takes out five extras in a matter of seconds with the titular bullets to the head- completely obliterating any hope of tension. Hand–to–hand (or axe–to–axe) fight scenes last longer but are difficult to keep track of due to tight close ups and a constantly shaking camera.
For a movie that should promise over–the–top action, “Bullet to the Head” is disappointingly tame. I can’t say that devoted Stallone fans won’t take some enjoyment from this film, but if you didn’t like “Rambo,” it’s probably best to stay away.
Our grade: C–
See if you liked: “The Expendables”
