There was once a time when the simplest plots could sell tickets, as long as the film had quality craftsmanship and was filled with action. "Lockout" harkens back to ‘80s action films with its plot, script and tough rogue hero. Snow (Guy Pearce) is a wise cracking government agent falsely accused of murder. He can clear his name only if he saves the president's daughter from prison… IN SPACE!! With that brilliantly cheesy plot in place it's up to the acting and direction to set this film apart.
Guy Pearce presents Snow with abundant charisma. His first few lines establish him as a tough yet light hearted lead who, regardless of the dangers he's facing, rarely stops making jokes. Maggie Grace, who plays the president’s daughter Emilie, starts the complete opposite. She is overly serious and runs, kicking and screaming from danger. Through her interactions with Snow, she transforms into a more entertaining and likeable character. Their scenes are easily the best parts of the film, even with all guns blazing.
Lennie James as Secret Service agent Shaw and Vincent Regan as the leader of the prisoners both give notable performances, but the gem of the side characters is Hydell (Joeseph Gilgun). Like the story, he's a villain ripped straight from the past. He's the kind of psychopath that feels like he'd blow up the world to kill a single man. He's easily hated, which is a solid counterbalance to Snow's lovable personality.
Directors James Mather and Stephen St. Leger revel in an old school feel, and cheesy plot. The action is at its best when it embraces absurdity to the extreme. Unrealistic moments, like when a prisoner’s head explodes, show enough to be understood but the film also avoids disturbing the audience. Sadly, the bizarre nature of the movie isn't always embraced. Many of the gunfights are generic, and most scenes take place in grey hallways or dark storage rooms. The film would have benefited from better use of the more open areas and a more spacious atmosphere (no pun intended… wait, yes it was).
"Lockout" isn't the kind of film that tries to be what it isn't. It's highly self-aware and playful with an intentionally generic plot and nonsensical moments. The creators had fun with it, and so will you.
3 "Space Jails" out of 5
Written by Chris
Edited by Aaron
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