Movie Review: Lockout

Directed by: James Mather and Stephen St. Leger
Starring: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare

We don’t usually do movie reviews here on Nite Lite because, let’s face it, I can barely keep up with book reviews and I see a lot of movies. However, I went out to a movie last night and thought it might be fun to do a quick review on it.

Lockout is exactly what it looks like – a ridiculously implausible and over the top sci-fi action movie. The basic premise is this. There’s a space prison for society’s worst convicts. At MS-One, inmates are but in what is called stasis for the duration of their sentence. Basically they’re put to sleep but not everyone’s mind comes out intact when they are taken out of stasis. Maggie Grace, the president’s daughter, is there on a humanitarian visit when all hell breaks loose and the inmates are set free. Guy Peace, an ex-CIA agent accused of murder is sent to retrieve Maggie before they have to blow up the prison.

I knew what I was getting when I walked into this movie. I wanted something fun with lots of action and I was not disappointed. Pearce was hilarious as the super snarky Snow, with one liners being his main contribution to the film. That, and shooting things. He also wears a fantastic shirt through most of the movie that reads “Warning: Offensive” which is a pretty accurate summation of his character.

Maggie Grace does a good job as the plucky daughter of the President of the United States. Her character is likable if somewhat cliche. I think she does the best that she can in the role. There are no real surprises with her but holds she her own against Pearce. Peter Stormare also co-stars as a jerk government official who is just dying to throw Peace in jail and plays it well. I always remember him as Abruzzi on Prison Break though and he kind of creeps me out.

Unfortunately the movie is full of plot holes. I found myself talking to the screen and throwing up my hands in frustration more than once. There are events and plot devices that just make no sense at all. I won’t spoil anything but I really felt at times that I could have written this movie and it probably would have made more sense. That said, I tried to go with the flow and just enjoy the movie for what it was. If you’re looking for a fun movie with some good actors and lots of action, then I think you’ll enjoy Lockout.

Will you be seeing Lockout or passing on it?

---