Killers Game

I watched THE PACKAGE last night and was surprised by it; mostly because the earlier Austin vehicles I had seen (HUNT TO KILL, TACTICAL FORCE) were really bad. Austin is still really stiff (both acting and physically) but the director plays upon these traits better than the previous helmers. Also, director Jesse Johnson handled the action scenes a lot better than most, not resorting to the shaky cam crap that a lot of DTV action guys use. Of course, the highlight for me is Dolph Lundgren, who delivers another juicy co-starring role much like he did in the Cuba Gooding, Jr. action flick ONE IN THE CHAMBER last year. While I'd still like to see Dolph get back in the directing chair, these smaller roles are good enough to fill the time in between.

This Direct to Video rides the trend of the teaming of two, count 'em, Action Stars for the price of one and it is better than one would expect. It looks pretty good and shows-off some stylish non Action camera work and a strong if padded plot that is not bad.

There is enough here for Fans and maybe even enough for Slummers who dropped in just to make fun but found it reluctantly enjoyable. The Story Thread keeps things strung together as it weaves familiar fisticuffs and gun battles together with some mildly interesting supporting Characters of note.

This is probably as good as this type of thing gets and while it is attractive in a wet, dull, and gray way, it may have included one meaningless sub-plot too many (the wife or the brother, take your pick). But in the end it succeeds in its business to kick, punch, and shoot its way onto your Big-Screen TV with just a little more added story and umph than expected.

At the time of this writing this film has 6 other reviews posted, most negative. Though difficult, I did come up with a few reasons to avoid this film: If you sell girl scout cookies, wear your sister's capri pants, share hair styling tips with your girlfriend, or watch Glee. I could go on but you get the picture. Bottom line, DTV film are rarely going to break any new ground in terms of action filmmaking, so hopefully by now action fans know this going in. Having said that, The Package is above average for such a film. A cool script, that is it mostly avoids ridiculous cliché dialog such as "I'm getting too old for this %$#" or the mandatory cursing that is often substituted for actual lines. Yes the story is old (as most all stories are), but here we get nicely written dialog. The direction is certainly above par, with plenty of well staged action shot in a terrific manner avoiding the jerky-cam style so prevalent today. The fight scenes are not the slapped together affairs often seen in many DTV films. Characters are interesting, including Dolph's (and no, his role is not a cameo). Anyone familiar with Martial artist/actor Jerry Trimble will enjoy his screen time. I recommend The Package not only for action fans, but lovers of romance, humor, and drama (sorry horror fans), and for any boy out there that hopes to one day grow into a man. Now that I've given it some thought, the film should be screened in high schools across the country as part of the "no male left behind" program.

"I need a package delivered to the German." Tommy (Austin) has an easy task. All he has to do is deliver a package to a man named the German (Lundgren) and his brother's debts will be wiped and he will be free. What starts as an easy task takes a deadly turn when he finds out what the package is and then is followed by another gang who wants their hands on it too. I know what your thinking Steve Austin and Dolph Lundgren in the same movie...how can that be bad?? Well, sorry to disappoint but this is not all that impressive. I do have to admit that of all these generic B action movies that seem to constantly come out at least Austin's movies are entertaining, mainly because of the little jokes he says. This is no different. Really nothing to say except if you like Austin's movies you will like this one as well. Overall, not as bad as I expected. I give it a C.

This is pretty average as far as films are concerned, but considering how terrible a few of Austin's STD films are, this is high praise. I'm a huge Stone Cold Steve Austin fan. Despite that he has nothing to work with a lot of the time, with these STD movies I always check them out when they are released. This one actually has some decent character development. Steve Austin does what he does best, play an anti hero, only without the rattlesnake persona. He's not quite ready to take on such a mysterious role, but he doesn't embarrass himself either. He definitely has presence, and commands your attention at all times. With better scripts, and more experience, Steve Austin can unequivocally be a top action star in Hollywood. He's not the greatest WWE superstar of all time for nothing. It's actually Dolph Lundgren who steals the show. His dark sense of humor was a hoot, and he hammed it up big time. Lundgren has really improved over the years with his acting, and he clearly relishes the villain role. I enjoyed him a lot. I wouldn't say this was filled with action, but it has just enough to keep your attention. For a STD film, it's not too shabby. Never something I'll watch again, but Stone Cold is on the right track

5.2/10