DVD Review: 12 Rounds

WWE superstar John Cena is Danny Fisher, an average street cop who manages to capture a psychotic super criminal (Aiden Gillen), whose moll is accidentally killed in the process. The distraught crook swears revenge, escapes from prison and kidnaps Danny’s girlfriend (Ashley Scott). In order to rescue his girl, Danny must complete over the course of a day 12 challenges requiring speed, strength and ingenuity. This B-movie plot sets into motion a frantic race against time that produces some amazingly elaborate and suspenseful sequences, including Cena’s escape from a suspended elevator and his attempt to halt a runaway trolley car headed for a street fair. Director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger) knows his way around action films, and he choreographs the set pieces and chooses precise camera positions and movements for maximum intensity.

Shelf Talk: Fox has outfitted this release with a full complement of extras, which will work for those looking for the brains behind the brawn. Fans of Cena’s previous starrer, The Marine, are obvious targets, but this well-mounted movie will pass muster with all action-hungry fans.