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Movies / On DVD / 12 Rounds
12 Rounds

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12 Rounds (2009)

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Reviews Counted:64

Fresh:18

Rotten:46

Average Rating:4.4/10

Consensus: Energetic but empty, 12 Rounds' preposterous plot hurtles along at a rapid pace, but can’t disguise the derivative script.

Rated: 12A [See Full Rating] for intense sequences of violence and action.

Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins

Genre: Action/Adventure

Theatrical Release:27-05-2009

Synopsis: Finnish director Renny Harlin (CLIFFHANGER, DIE HARD 2) brings first-time screenwriter Daniel Kunka’s story to life in the fast-paced action film 12 ROUNDS. When New Orleans police officer Danny... Finnish director Renny Harlin (CLIFFHANGER, DIE HARD 2) brings first-time screenwriter Daniel Kunka’s story to life in the fast-paced action film 12 ROUNDS. When New Orleans police officer Danny Fisher (WWE wrestler John Cena) apprehends Miles Jackson (Aidan Gillen, THE WIRE), a villainous Irishman being pursued by the FBI, Jackson’s girlfriend is accidentally killed. One year later, Jackson is out of prison and seeking revenge, kidnapping Fisher's girlfriend, Molly (Ashley Scott), and setting up an elaborate game of cat and mouse that traverses the city. Now a detective, Fisher, with the help of the FBI and his fellow officers, has to survive 12 rounds of Jackson’s game--each more mentally and physically challenging than the last--if he wants to see Molly alive again. Meanwhile, the roguish Jackson may be seeking more than just retribution. Although the premise is completely implausible, 12 ROUNDS is a fun thrill ride. Jackson’s plan and Fisher’s ensuing pursuit leave an unimaginable trail of destruction throughout the city, managing to encompass fire engines, buses, a streetcar, and a helicopter, along with fires, explosions, and blackouts, among other things. There isn’t a dull moment as Fisher and the FBI agents, played by Steve Harris and Gonzalo Menendez, try to outwit the seemingly omnipotent villain. Cena, resembling a super-sized Mark Wahlberg, fits the bill for an action hero. Gillen is a solid nemesis: heartless, stone-faced, and completely out for himself. Brian White plays Hank, Fisher’s partner and best friend, and Scott is appealing as Fisher’s feisty girlfriend. [More]

Starring: John Cena, Aidan Gillen, Ashley Scott, Steve Harris

Starring: John Cena, Aidan Gillen, Ashley Scott, Steve Harris, Brian White, Taylor Cole, Gonzalo Menendez, Kyle Clements, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, Travis Davis, Nick Gomez

Director: Renny Harlin

Director: Renny Harlin
Screenwriter: Daniel Kunka
Producer: Mark Gordon, Josh McLaughlin, Michael Lake
Composer: Trevor Rabin
Studio: 20th Century Fox

[See More Credits]

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Reviews for 12 Rounds

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61 - 66 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3 4
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12 Rounds has some great action scenes and intensity but is killed by a horribly written script and ending. I would still recommend a rental.

Full Review Source: WJFK-FM (CBS Radio) | comment 7 Comments
03/27/09
Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy
WJFK-FM (CBS Radio)

Assuming that audiences are dumb enough to pay money for a movie that should've premiered on Spike TV is the worst kind of cynicism. Don't fall for it.

Full Review Source: Metromix.com | comment 1 Comment
03/27/09
Geoff Berkshire
Geoff Berkshire
Metromix.com

With wrestling powerhouse WWE producing, chances are the statement, "Guys, this just doesn't make any sense," never came up during a script meeting. I can't fault 12 Rounds for being dumb. However, I will criticize 12 Rounds for being awful.

Full Review Source: BrianOrndorf.com | comment Comment
03/27/09
Brian Orndorf
Brian Orndorf
BrianOrndorf.com

Cinematically this is by-the-book multicam crash-and-burn spectacle that lacks originality but has spades of energy and a few truly suspenseful moments. Doesn't quite make it worth your time, though.

Full Review Source: MovieTime, ABC Radio National | comment Comment
03/20/09
Jason Di Rosso
Jason Di Rosso
MovieTime, ABC Radio National

If you leave your brain in neutral, you should have a fairly enjoyable ride.

Full Review Source: FILMINK (Australia) | comment Comment
03/20/09
Andrew J. McGlinn
Andrew J. McGlinn
FILMINK (Australia)

This big-budget action thriller excels at dishing out a plot that's a bit like a chess game on speed.

Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment 9 Comments
03/14/09
Louise Keller
Louise Keller
Urban Cinefile
 
 
61 - 66 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Latest News for 12 Rounds

May 31, 2009: Five Favourite Films with Renny Harlin
Finnish director Renny Harlin has one of the most schizophrenic CVs in movie-dom. He's directed some of the most beloved action films of the last 20 years, including Die Hard 2,... More...

March 30, 2009: 12 Rounds Star Wants Jericho Film Trilogy Opens in new window
In a recent interview, 12 Rounds actress Ashley Scott chimes in on rumored plans to bring the cancelled CBS sci-fi show Jericho to the big screen. In short, she's in -- how's a... More...

March 26, 2009: Critics Consensus: Monsters vs. Aliens Is A Blast
This week at the movies, we've got a war of the worlds (Monsters vs. Aliens, with voice work by Reese Witherspoon and Seth Rogan), a demonic abode (The Haunting in Connecticut,... More...

March 26, 2009: Box Office Guru Preview: Monsters vs. Aliens Ready For Mighty Attack
Ginormica and her mutant pals look to seize control of the North American box office with the animated 3D adventure Monsters vs. Aliens which will try to overtake a group of... More...

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