The Condemned
Reviewer: Jordan Brown
Issue 97 December 2007
(2 votes, average: 6.5 out of 10)
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A Stone Cold Stunner?
The Lowdown: Death row convict Jack Conrad finds himself faced with an opportunity for freedom when a TV mogul creates an internet-based show in which ten convicted murderers fight to the death. While the world quibbles over the morality of the concept, Conrad must use his military know how to survive again some of the world’s most depraved individuals.
Review: World Wrestling Entertainment continue to cash in on the appeal of their grappling superstars with Stone Cold Steve Austin’s turn to have a crack at cinema. To be fair the Texan doesn’t do a half bad job, but then he’s been acting for the best part of his career in the ring. With Vinnie Jones in the mix too though, it’s a recipe for a stupid, loud slice of cheese, and that’s exactly what we get.
In a stunningly shameless display of idea thievery, The Condemned is nothing more than a remake of Battle Royale. Substituting school-kids for doomed killers, there’s not a lot else that’s been altered. In fact it’s pretty much a verbatim copy only differing in language and, more importantly, in the lack of atmosphere that was generated in the Japanese classic by putting ordinary people in a nightmarish situation. Vinnie Jones seems to be having a bloody good time though, playing the villain with a ridiculous ferocity. It all makes for laughably crap viewing – while you may enjoy parts, you’ll feel guilty for doing so. Pure unadulterated rubbish, it’s not going to kickstart an acting career for Austin by any means. Looks like he’ll have to be jealous of ex-WWE pal, The Rock, for just a little bit longer.
FILM: 4 EXTRAS: 8
DVD Info:
Starring: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Madeline West
US Certificate: R
Director: Scott Wiper
Distributor: Lionsgate
Original Release: 2007
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Visuals: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
Running Time: 113 mins
Price: £12.99
Special Features:
Scene Selection
‘Making Of’ Featurette
Audio Commentary With Stone Cold Steve Austin and Director Scott Wiper
Audio Commentary With Director Scott Wiper
‘Stone Cold At Movie World’ Exclusive Footage
‘Capital Carnage Reunion’ Featurette
Storyboards
Theatrical Trailer
