Attrition

Nothing new or interesting here. Steven Seagal's character is basically "Mr. Perfect", he's totally untouchable. All his fights are completely one sided as he does a poor job imitating a Wing Chung master. And he's obviously the most spiritually enlightened and wisest man in the film as he preaches words of wisdom in his usual monotone voice. The only real entertainment to be found is Steven Seagal is so ridiculous, that he is unintentionally funny. I recommend the film as a action comedy, but if your looking for serious action with a well written script, then skip this movie.

An American action thriller. Next stop Southeast Asia for Steven Seagal. This is a martial arts action film with a moral message, and a heart, about people trafficking. The main theme: one who aims to live a spiritual life will eventually be tested by a quandry, that by not facing and acting against an evil deed by another, one's spiritual integrity is undermined. "Attrition" is slickly produced with higher production values and better direction than any of Seagal's films since "Exit Wounds". I especially enjoyed the set design and the atmosphere it succeeded in creating. With a good supporting cast of impressive martial arts practitioners the film moves along smoothly though some of the dialogue is facile if not overly philosophical. All in all, it's a film that falls short because of its ending - a very short third act of predictable slaughter with very little resistance from the foes. Nevertheless, it is moderately enjoyable up to and including the finale.

I don't rate it as a bad movie. It has great cinematography moments but the overall bland story line and slow pace really make you want to switch it off at time. Someone said in his/her review that this movie should be watched at 2X and I fully agree with him/her. To me it carries hints on Seagal being inspired from movies like Ip Man and Equilibrium. The action shots are good but not great though some are very good. On the positive note, brief encounters are what Seagal was loved for and they are still there in his (plus his double's) fights. What i this guitar for in the end, by the way?

I'll always remember Steven seagal in his best acting days when he was slimmer and was actually doing the fighting scenes. Nowadays I just watch his movies because I really hope that he's slimmed down and doing the fighting scenes without the stunt double that is so visibly seen fighting for him. It's so bad. At this point I think he just needs to stop acting and maybe just watch himself in his movies from back in the day and maybe teach the theory of martial arts.

I now watch all Segal movies for the comedy... They all make for a good laugh... To watch him hobble and wobble on screen like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man and then have his stunt doubles do most of his fight scenes is the comedy that only Monty Python can surpass.

Total Trash unless for the comedy element of watching a fat old man trying to recapture his glory days