Babylon A.D. (2008) – Review

Where to watch Babylon A.D.

1 1/2 Stars

Babylon A.D. is ideal fodder for the cinematic dumping ground of late August, or more specifically labor day weekend. Traditionally know for it’s less than par offerings, this misbegotten low-key sci-fi tale is oddly void of impact, interest and plot structure. Starting off in a narrative blur and never leveling out, the movie is a wasted effort at almost every turn. Vin Diesel is up for the task but is saddled with a thankless role and a dour facial expression throughout.

Toorop (Diesel) is a mercenary living out his miserable existence in futuristic Russia, and although the year is advanced the technology and living conditions are more akin to modern-day inventions and poverty. After a bizarre opening, in which Toorop beats down a street dealer and kills a fellow mercenary, he is hired by a gangster (Gérard Depardieu) to transport a girl and her protective guardian (Michelle Yeoh) to America. The price of the job is half a million dollars, and comes with a guarantee of new life in the United States.

The girl (Mélanie Thierry) has physic abilities and is wanted by a high-ranking priestess and a government doctor, each with their own private agendas. So there are continual chases, double-crossings, and metaphors all within the framework of a shabby production. All the running, shooting, futuristic settings, and pseudo-science, aren’t enough to overcome the deadly moronic screenplay and sub-par execution on-screen.

Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Stars: Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, Mark Strong