Where to watch Absolution
3 Stars
Nowadays, Steven Seagal movies are judged not on any sort of artistic merit but rather, if there is any cohesion in the story line. In that respect, Absolution is a notch above some of the recent dreary output from the heavily goateed action icon. Re-teaming with director Keoni Waxman and co-star Byron Mann, Seagal plays yet another mercenary with moral fortitude who gets caught in political webs that will eventually threaten his life.
The opening voice over informs us that solider of fortune John Alexander (Seagal) is a man who has committed horrendous acts of violence in honor of country. Now, he fears sins committed during covert operations will haunt him. Alexander has been recruited to take out a coked-up arms dealer under the protection of high security deep within a fortified mansion. Aided by his partner Chi (Byron Mann), the duo are able to hit their mark and escape into the night unnoticed. This act sets the mechanics of the plot in motion. MMA and UFC star Josh Barnett appears in this sequence and proves himself eligible for leading man status in his next B-movie action outing.
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During the getaway, Alexander discovers a girl on the run from a psychotic mafia figure (Vinnie Jones) with dangerous connections and political backing. The mob boss is in the business of human trafficking. Now, the mercenary is caught between loyalty to his bosses or protecting a runaway with no-one on her side.
Absolution is a slickly photographed, well choreographed, exuberant action thriller. If it doesn’t signal that Seagal has awoken from his cinematic sleepwalking phase, it is at least a step back in the right direction. We are a long way removed from the heights of Above the Law, but this is at least better than Half Past Dead. Seagal’s most enjoyable outing in years.
Director: Keoni Waxman
Stars: Stven Seagal, Byron Mann, Josh Barnett
No mention of the crap acting–on all counts. Crap dialogue. Crappy delivery of said crap dialogue. I had better hopes for Vinnie Jones, but that was ages ago, when he had Guy Ritchie to help his career. He has become the British Eric Roberts, or is it Mickey Rourke?