The Condemned

[Marcus]

Even though this is a blatant copy of the Battle Royal film, though with criminals on death row rather than kids, it's still not too bad a film. (Battle Royal is much much better).

Would advice turning your brain off, and watch it just for the action not the acting (which in places isn't that good).

Basic plot is that a multimillionaire decides to produce a "live death match" where 10 criminals are put onto a small island and the last one alive is set free.

I don't think I'd spend money on this film, but if its on and nothing else to do, I'd say watch it if you like action films of this kind.

[darkwolfavenged]

I actually really liked this film. My freind gave it to me saying it was a lot better than it sounded...and it is. It was actually a lot better than it had any right to be.

Sure, it's basically a daft action movie and replay of Battle Royale, Hard Target et al...but it actually had some interesting characters who were allowed time to talk and argue with each other about some of the issue the film raises.

Not being a wrestling fan at all, I had no idea who Steve Austin was, but he's actually quite good here in a quiet, stoic, underplayed, but quite charasmatic performance. Vinnie Jones is also quite entertaining just playing an out and out nutter.

I'm not saying it is a great or insighful film or anything, but it is well made (obviously had a decent budget), with some very good action scenes, fairly interesting characters and kept me engaged. It also manages to actually have half a brain in its head...unlike most films of this type.

If you enjoy big, tough action films - as oppossed to the fx filled lightweight and super slick ones - you could do a lot worse. Good fun.

[ArcLight]

If they added Jason they would have one of the "Friday the 13th" novels that came out a few years ago.