Disappointing...

Following recent below average straight-to-DVD actioners such as The Marksman and 7 Seconds, Wesley Snipes continues to institute himself as the new Van Damme or Steven Seagal. It's hardly surprising that actors like Van Damme and Seagal degraded their careers by starring in straight-to-DVD films, purely because their talent is non-existent: they can't act, but they can fire a gun. Wesley Snipes had no reason to be reduced to this quality.

The Contractor is among Snipes' latest movies, and it's essentially a cousin to Mark Wahlberg's successful action movie Shooter. Both Shooter and Snipes' The Contractor focus on former specialist operatives called back into service before ultimately being betrayed and set up. But while Wahlberg's character is aided by a beautiful babe, Snipes gets his assistance from a precocious teenager. The screenwriter is essentially taking a page out of Luc Besson's Léon (also known as The Professional). So there we have it...The Contractor mixes equal parts of Léon and Shooter. However, it isn't as charming and absorbing as the former, or as thrilling and intense as the latter.

Former professional contractor James Dial (Snipes) now lives a secluded life at his Montana ranch. He frequently evokes the memory of failing an assignment several years earlier when he was unsuccessful in eliminating a renowned terrorist. Dial is approached by his former employer who allows him the opportunity for another shot at assassinating the terrorist who is now under heavy protection in London. It will impart personal satisfaction as well as further financial advantages. Dial executes his task, but is then forced into hiding as the British police relentlessly pursue him. He's hurt and hunted, and it isn't long before he crosses paths and dubiously befriends young Emily (Bennett) who doesn't seem the slightest bit reluctant to help a highly wanted man evade justice. Alrighty then...

Wesley Snipes demonstrates that, even with weak career moments under his belt, he can still carry a picture. For an action movie, Snipes brings staggering depth and intrigue to his character. Young Eliza Bennett is doubtlessly the film's biggest surprise. She competently masters her character and flaunts convincing acting skills. She has her unfortunate weak moments though, such as the unrealistically corny relationship with her grandmother.

German director Josef Rusnak keeps the action moving and the pacing fairly brisk. With a terrific cast (for the most part) the film also exhibits plenty of decent drama. However the film is unforgivably marred by the cinematography techniques and the script. The shootouts, especially those towards the climax, simply cannot engage a viewer. All the action fails due to the almost Michael Bay-eque style of filming: fast cuts, shaky handheld shots that aren't properly focused, migraine-inducing strobe lights, and additionally some amateurish film speed manipulations (slow motion, things sped up...and even freeze frames). Some villains can't even hold their firearms correctly which is a sure sign that research was never a priority. The action is entertaining, but could be far more exhilarating.

The movie also fails as a thriller because the twists don't raise the stakes. Additionally, Snipes' James Dial ostensibly prefers to avoid confrontations and gun-fights. Instead, he continually absconds. This could have worked, however with pay-offs so trifling and promising set-ups so common it feels unsatisfying. The screenwriter cannot avoid those dumb action movie clichés either. A gun battle on a construction site occurs, but do the workers or civilians nearby (which we clearly see following the battle's conclusion) care or call the cops? Nope, they don't even notice anything despite plenty of gunfire. And are we supposed to believe an investigation can terminate so suddenly? No paperwork? Come on!

Overall, The Contractor isn't as terrible as I expected. It's also among the best straight-to-DVD films Snipes has featured in, although that is a faint praise. A promising story that clearly takes inspiration from Shooter and Luc Besson's Léon is marred by a below average script and an abundance of stupidity to boot.

5.3/10