Lockout (2012)
2.5 out of 5 stars
I regretted not adjusting my Netflix queue last week when I saw this sitting in my mailbox Friday afternoon. I can’t even remember why I added it in the first place. I suppose I was fishing for some non-existent intelligent and intriguing science fiction to watch. Instead, I reeled in Lockout.
The plot has been done before, and done better. The special effects were obvious CG and not completely well integrated with the filmed aspects of the movie. The military tactics employed during the climax made me roll my eyes, as they were obviously used to create a dangerous and completely unnecessary CG dog fight between fighters and a falling orbital prison.
I did, however, get several chuckles from the snarky dialog, most of it emanating from the side of Snow’s mouth (portrayed by Guy Pearce with a convincing American accent). The quotes page at IMDB for Lockout doesn’t really do them justice, as you really need to see and hear them in context to get the full impact of many of the punch lines.
I’d have to say, though, that Pearce is batting a thousand for appearing in scifi duds in 2012. First this one, then followed by the much hyped and disappointing Prometheus. At least his character in Lockout grows on your.
