IGN REVIEW: The Marine 2
A surprisingly solid DTV sequel introduces an exciting new director and action star.
December 3, 2009 - Given their history, it's easy to be cynical about direct-to-DVD movies. Lower budgets, less talented performers and generally second-rate writers and directors have proven to be the stigma with DTV movies throughout the years, most especially with the sequels to once-theatrical properties. There is, one assumes, a reason that those involved in the production aren't out there making big-budget Hollywood fare – that they simply aren't talented enough for the cinematic big leagues. So it's surprising then that The Marine 2 manages to defy this cliche and offer up a well made, visually impressive and competently performed action film that makes one consider why it didn't at least earn a limited theatrical release.
Make no mistake, the sequel to John Cena's WWE action flick isn't some high-brow affair or Bruckheimer-quality masterpiece, but it's certainly as entertaining, if not moreso, than the original film. Swapping out both Cena and the film's PG-13 rating, the sequel featuresTed DiBiase (son of the Million Dollar Man) in an R-rated, 90-minute bout of semi-constant ass-kicking. DiBiase stars as recon sniper Joe Linwood whose off-duty vacation to Thailand with his wife finds them embroiled in the middle of a hostage situation at the massive resort at which they're staying. When a separatist group sieges the resort during its gala opening, Linwood's wife is among the hostages and Linwood escapes to plan the eventual rescue mission.
The story is neither clever nor inventive, but it follows in the tradition of similar films by offering a simple scenario in which exists the unlimited potential for hardcore violence. But it's the presentation that really makes the film work. Helmed by director Roel Reine, the movie looks and feels hugely theatrical despite its lower budget. From the cinematography, to the striking angles, to the well struck balance between fast-paced edits and lingering, well-orchestrated camera moves, there's little about the sequel's direction that isn't more inspired than its fairly generic original. A hand-to-hand fight scene about two-thirds of the way through the movie takes place amidst a lengthy, sweeping camera rotation that highlights the complex choreography in a single shot. This'd be impressive by big-screen standards let alone DVD.
While we wouldn't expect Shakespeare any time soon, Ted DiBiase obviously has sufficient acting chops to carry the film. That said, the wrestler-turned-action star lacks the kind of distinct and intimidating visual presence of somebody like Cena. In truth, for as tough and capable as the man appears, there's something all too vanilla about DiBiase. He looks like a normal, Mid-Western good-old-boy in prime physical condition, more likely to hold open the door for the lady at the market than single-handedly assassinate a group of highly trained killers. Regardless, his athletic skills are hardly in question as he does so with a good deal of command.
Score: 6 out of 10
Video and Presentation
The film employs a slightly over-saturated visual palette which on the DVD we were given highlighted some of the digitization and artifcating. That aside, however, the DVD transfer looks perfectly acceptable and even sports some pretty impressive black levels during the nighttime action sequences. There's not a lot of color here, so get used to jungle greens and browns for the next hour and a half, but there are enough fiery explosions and well-composed sequences to keep things interesting.
Score: 7 out of 10
Languages and Audio
Things go boom… In a sense, that's all anybody really needs to say. There's a sufficient amount of gunfire and explosions in the The Marine 2 to rival any Hollywood summer blockbuster. The 5.1 transfer does feature a ton of directional flourishes, but the whizzing of bullets and the base of pluming fireballs makes for a satisfying, room-rattling audio transfer.
Score: 8 out of 10
Packaging and Extras
There's not a ton of material here with regard to the extras, but the half-hour behind-the-scenes featurette, divided into a number of shorter chapters, is well worth the time for those interested in both DiBiase and the film's promising director, Roel Reine. There's a lot of good material here about the making of the film, how DiBiase got the gig, interviews with his father, profiles of the Reine and an exploration of his filmmaking style. If you find that you enjoyed the film, definitely check out his featurette.
The DVD also features a few rather meaningless deleted scenes and the original rough takes of the Muay Thai fight sequence via both the steady-cam and the handheld camera. This material, you can feel free to skip. Otherwise, this is pretty standard DVD fare.
Score: 6 out of 10
The Bottom Line
A surprisingly sold DTV action sequel introduces an exciting new director in Reine more than its star, DiBiase.