Split Decision

Oh dear, where to begin. Sadly, Brendan Fraser might be many things, but a 'Bruce Willis' he will never be. What we have here - loosely - is 'Die Hard in the woods.' The former 'George of the Jungle' (aka Mr Fraser) has only gone and got himself locked up for protecting trees (perhaps he should have lived on Pandora?) and thus has found himself separated from his (not so loving) family. Then, if that wasn't bad enough, they only go on a camping trip and witness a murder! Cue Brendan Fraser deciding that that was the time he better break out of prison and save them. Because - and let's face it - no one knows those woods better than an eco-activist who's dedicated his life to protecting them.

So, if you think that sounds any way enjoyable or believable, go ahead and watch it. You may be surprised. However, for me, it was just one unbelievable coincidence after the next. I'm all far 'suspending your disbelief' while watching a film, but this is taking it too far.

If you like the idea of 'Die Hard in the woods' try a little-known film called 'Predator.' It was kind of cool. This, however, is not. End of. Sorry Brendan... but you're better off sticking to watching out for trees rather than protecting them!

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STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning

Jack (Brendan Fraser) was imprisoned after accidentally killing someone during an environmental protest. He now has his ex wife as his attorney, and is on the verge of securing his release, only to find himself working outside jail when his own kids find themselves hunted by Tony Baxter (Dominic Purcell) after witnessing him commit murder.

This DVD offering has the right ingredients in place, in regards it's eerie atmosphere and setting, as well as a villain in the shape of Purcell, who has an undeniable presence in these roles that you just wish would be exploited in something better. But it never really comes together, and fails to develop in to a fully satisfying whole, thus never escaping it's restrictive DVD trappings. **

Plot - weak, poorly planned, full of holes and questions, and well, kinda dumb.

Acting - Not one of Dominic Purcell's best moments. Best actor of the film was the young daughter. Brendan Frasier is just a poor actor to begin with so casting him in an action/thriller is a recipe for a lot of good jokes and unbelievable acting. Its really bad actually. His panic'd yelling is really humorous. Like scared little girl meets Encino man.

Setting was the only plus to this movie. Some great scenery if you like nature. That's about all.

I think the storyline of the movie was decent, but there were so many mistakes it's impossible to list them all. To name a few: they were not smart with the windows. You can see cameramen in the cabin windows toward the end of the scene in the cabin. There are also LOTS of missed opportunities - one being that the good guy leaves a rifle with the bad guy after fighting with him. The guns seem to have endless ammo, they run instead of utilizing vehicles, and they seem to all be able to find each other in the woods remarkably well - too well.

I'm giving it a 5 out of 10, because it's decent enough. Just don't watch it if you're one to really pick movies apart. You won't enjoy it.

The bad guys scoped high powered rifle was not to be believed! From the size of the muzzle, probably a .308Win. He must have taken at least 50 or more shots, without ever reloading, not to mention the five pounds or so of ammunition that would have pulled his pants down :>). Sorry, I'm a retired police officer and gunsmith, and couldn't let that slide.