The Marine

Commando: Resurrection this is not! The three big explosions swallowed most of the budget, so the rest of the runtime is a blatantly self-serving improvisation (some camera flybys and such), pulled out of the mire of absolute damnation by decent references (Terminator II, Deliverance, Friday the 13th) and a brilliant cast of villains led by the great (!) Robert Patrick, who enjoys the role as much as ever. I don't know whose idea it was to send John Cena out of the wrestling ring and onto the screen, but this mountain of muscle isn't even close to the likes of The Rock, and when you have trouble rooting for him because his opponents are just cooler, it's clear that something is wrong. And the PG-13 rating, no blood... the golden 80. (29/07/2007)

First of all, the Czech title is bad. It should be "Marine," but since there is already a film with that name, the Czech distribution chose the generic "Soldier" instead. However, it doesn't really matter because the film definitely doesn't fail because of its translation or lack thereof; it fails because it is incredibly bad itself. The main reason for this is the extremely wooden acting, especially by John Cena, who is primarily a wrestler where different acting skills are required. Robert Patrick doesn't deliver a first-class performance either, but why should he when he doesn't even seem to care. It rather feels like the director really wanted everyone to act like idiots. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/03/vojak-2006-20.html (10/04/2013)

"This guy is like the Terminator." New-age Commando? No way, The Marine takes itself too seriously. A solid B-movie? Not that either. Solid, perhaps, but rather than B, I would choose a letter that comes later on in the alphabet. Charismatic John Cena? If your definition of charisma is gray, boring and utterly uninteresting, then you’re right. The nearest he gets to being an actor is when in one dark scene his silhouette is slightly reminiscent of Matt Damon. Everywhere else his presence is simply irritating. Does it have any bright aspects? Yes, Robert Patrick who is perhaps the only person who realizes what the movie is about and so adapted his over-acting to suit. And apart from that it has one more plus. As of the scene at the filling station, it starts to become quite entertaining. The Marine is an interesting experience which, however, has no connection whatsoever with quality. (26/12/2007)

An echo of the 80s? Yeah, right. This movie will be completely forgotten in less than six months. Take, for example, Commando, which makes for a good comparison. In a way, it has aged like wine and with the passing years since its release it has acquired a kind of cult status, thanks especially to Arnold, who had undeniable charisma (whether anyone likes it or not), spouted one good one-liner after another and his (non)acting was endearing in its own way. John Cena has none of that. He's just a dull mountain of meat and his character lacks any kind of insight. And if the only thing a film can offer other than an unlikeable leading man is over-the-top action like Transporter 2, then you have quite a problem. The only positive, Robert Patrick, who was very clear about the situation he was in and really enjoyed his villainous role. (16/03/2007)