Cena is a beat cop named Daniel Fisher, who works for the New Orleans P.D.. He and his partner, Hank (Brian J. White, “The Game Plan”) stumble into a FBI trap for an international Irish terrorist named Miles Jackson (Aidan Gillen; “Shanghai Knights”). Fisher’s unlikely capture of the terrorist leads to a promotion but also a brutal enemy with a long memory. Jackson takes the intervention of Fisher personally and comes up with a plan to turn the life of the detective upside down. His girlfriend, colleagues, and family are all fair game for the bomb-maker.
Cena is physically game for the stunts required in this fast-paced thriller. His wrestler physique and hardened face works well portraying a tough, good guy cop. However, the initial scenes with Fisher and his partner did not bode well for the story, with the dialogue feeling stilted and unoriginal. Once the action starts in earnest, it does not really matter how authentic the personal lives of the characters feel. Cena has the ability sell his concern and intensity to the viewer and that is primarily what is required here. Hank becomes more likable and humorous as the film develops. The girlfriend, Molly (Ashley Scott; TV’s “Jericho”) storyline propels the plot forward, giving the film a heart and Fisher a less altruistic reason to succeed. Though she appears in few scenes, the presence of Molly elevates the picture above a standard hero vs. villain battle.
There are moments in “12 Rounds” which are predictable and one over-the-top sequence at the end which takes the viewer out of the picture’s internal reality. Overall, the action movie basics of a strong, likable hero, a despised villain, and a threat to the safety of innocents are met and well expressed. “12 Rounds” is worth renting if you are an action or thriller fan but is not worth purchasing unless you need your daily John Cena fix.
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action.
