Mile 22 絕地22哩 (2018) - USA
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Indonesian martial arts sensation Iko Uwais is the best thing to come out of this uninspiring crime action thriller headlines by Mark Wahlberg. What went wrong begins with director Peter Berg who previously crafted decent crime action thrillers with Wahlberg on several occasions, Lone Survivor, Patriots Day and Deepwater Horizon. However, this film fails from not having an interesting story, lack of sparks and characters that we care or connect with. In the end, the film feels half baked, uninteresting and bland action, if not for the scene stealing short action display by Uwais.
Mark Wahlberg is incredibly lifeless in an action thriller that requires him to step up the game and lift the film above its mediocre material. Instead along with his fellow companions played by Lauren Cohan, Ronda Rousey and Carlo Alban, all producing rather forgettable performances. John Malkovich seems to be doing a Bruce Willis impersonation to stay within the comfort of his office for the entire film, only to bark out instructions before being eliminated towards the end. Luckily, the presence of Iko Uwais manages to breathe new life into the film, with some much needed martial arts stunner with is unfortunately hampered by some poor will quick edits to some brilliant moves with handcuffs on as well.
All in all, “Mile 22” fails to deliver from many aspects of the film and as a result it produces an wholly below average crime thriller that is neither thrilling or contains enough action to be an action film. In these days and age, people are bounded to demand more for a cinematic experience and nothing can save this disappointing mess. In fact, the 22 miles to destination, feels like an eternity.
I rated it 5/10