The Marine (2006)

World Wrestling Entertainment, best known for television shows like Monday Night Raw and WrestleMania, have taken one of their top superstars John Cena and made him the star of the high-octane action thriller The Marine.  Co-starring Terminator 2’s Robert Patrick, this is the story of John Triton (Cena), a soldier who is discharged from the marine corps only to be thrown straight back into danger when his wife Kate (Kelly Carlson) is taken hostage.  Using his best survival instincts, John tracks the criminals through a swamp, where he then goes about eliminating each member of Patrick’s gang one by one.

The film was executive produced by Vince McMahon, a major figure in the professional wrestling world.  In terms of action spectacle, this is a fabulous piece of entertainment.  As a showcase for the acting talent of John Cena, the picture is less successful.  There are some frankly overblown, almost goofy moments in John Bonito’s film that seem a bit misplaced.  This is not so much Cena’s fault as it is that of screenwriters Michelle Gallagher and Alan B. McElroy, who hit a number of bum notes on the page. 

There is no doubting the good intentions of Mr. McMahon in making this blatantly commercial enterprise.  Even so, an adjustment or two in the edit would have been helpful, especially during the film’s frantic opening sequence.  I don’t believe for one moment that this is the best production from WWE films because stunning action sequences can only take a movie so far.  In order to achieve true greatness in the action film genre, a really good concept is required.  I am thinking of Die Hard (1988) but more specifically Speed (1994) which, with its ingenious premise, redefined the genre in a micro-second.  The problem with The Marine is that it is an unexceptional film.  It doesn’t even try to surpass the very high expectations of the audience.  Other than that, it is a fine example of the kind of throw-away entertainment we have come to expect from a Hollywood studio.