Written by: Samuel K. Sloan (FarPoint Media Executive News Director)
“Doomsday” will make its way to DVD on July 29 and the fine folks from Rogue Pictures were kind enough to ask me to review it.
The film stars Rhona Mitra (“Boston Legal”), who is always fetching to gaze upon, but this film takes her out of her usual type and turns her into a no nonsense special forces military expert in the art of kicking everybody’s ass. Her petite model frame hides those abilities well to the detriment of those thinking she is a lesser opponent. Just ask the film’s main villains Dr. Marcus Kane (Malcolm McDowell) and his rebellious son Sol (Craig Conway). Malcolm is his naughty self, a role he has become all-too familiar with in his advancing years, but he does it so well that he can be forgiven this yet another journey to the dark side.
The support cast is impressive enough with good performances from Alexander Siddig (“Syriana,” “24,” “Star Trek: DS9”), David O’Hara (“Wanted”) and one of the greats, Bob Hoskins. The future of the world of entertainment was represented by Adrian Lester (“Primary Colors,” “Bonekickers”). But, the real star of “Doomsday” is Rhona. She has proven with this film that she is more than just another pretty face in Hollywood and is up to the task of being an action hero.
“Doomsday” is not a great movie, but it is an OK film. I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining and fast-paced it was, with very few dull moments, however, the script is quite predictable. Sadly, there really isn’t too much in the way of originality with the movie. Filmmaker Neil Marshall, who wrote and directed, did his best to take the best elements from past films like, “Escape From New York,” “Road Warrior: Thunderdome” and “Virus” and try to make an unusual take on how a modern-day society could be relegated to its absolute depraved worse when devastated by a deadly, fast-spreading virus. He succeeds in one regard, it isn’t boring and his twist on the kind of society that Malcolm McDowell’s character creates was refreshing for this kind of apocalyptic action yarn.
Overall, I kind of liked it but am glad I didn’t go to see it in the theaters. It definitely goes over better in the comfort of one’s own home, and on one’s own television set.
On a scale of 0 to 5 stars, I give “Doomsday”
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