The so-called scary moments are so wearisome that they grate on your nerves. The young talent here is also not interesting enough to put your money on.

…the writing doesn’t allow for much attachment. And having a white man save the day for the Chinese is certainly not pluralism the way we’d like to see it.

The action sequences are breathlessly vicarious but it all appears too rote to be enjoyable. The pace is relentless. The action is never-ending so there’s little understanding of what is happening other than the Heroine’s continued survival even under the most vicious of circumstances. And at the end of it all there’s a suggestion that a new beginning may well be proffered –given that the cloned Alice assumes the place of the real thing!

Keaton plays Kroc singularly driven by the urge to do more. He may be a pathetic human being but make no mistake he is a vulture when it comes to business. It’s a vigorous performance aided by poignant turns from the rest of the cast included Laura Dern who plays his neglected wife. But for the performances, this film would have been just a little too wishy-washy in its attempts to overlook the predator in the man!

‘Return of Xander Cage’, as the name suggests, returns to stunt-CGI-action to provide it’s adrenaline rush. This is basically Diesel’s show and he is well aided by the stunt choreography, CGI action and editing speed. But don’t go by looks. There’s not much energy in the telling here and the confused narrative totally sidelines logic

Extraordinary visuals of technological advancement and well imagined outer space array of glittering bodies makes this one more than just a standard issue sci-fi experience.

The cinematography by Óscar Faura is visually ensnaring. The special effects live action is enhanced by “paper cutout” animation and allows for great depth. The narration is strong on philosophical and emotional resonance. This is a film that has the power to shake you to your core.

For the video game fans, this may be just what the doctor ordered, but for cinema lovers, it’s just another convert (like ‘Mortal Kombat’, ‘Dungeons And Dragons’ and whole lot of other illegitimate spawns) that doesn’t quite work!

The film has an interesting idea, but the way the feints are played out, you will feel suckered. There are far too many damaged people around and the methods employed for cure appear unethical and impractical. The script doesn’t manage to get one emotionally involved. The performers are the saving grace, though.

…this is a satisfactory outing and will keep the appetite of the fans whetted for the next in line.