Bloodshot
review by Bobby Blakey
Comics being adapted into feature films is obviously pretty common these days, but more often than not it’s just the big two in Marvel and DC. While not as mainstream there are still a ton of other great books out there that should be getting the movie treatment. Some time back it was announced that Vin Diesel would be taking on yet another comic character, but this time Valiant Comics’ Bloodshot. Could this film kick start the Valiant Cinematic Universe or will it fail to get it in its sights?
Blooshot follows Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation. With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly. But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too. Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out. I was never a big fan of the Valiant Comics but know of all of them. Only recently did I start reading Bloodshot, but that was mostly due to artist Brett Booth taking on the project. Knowing the story and a fan of all things comic I was interested to see how this came together and what we got was something of a mixed bag.
The only reason this film likely got made is because of Diesel. He is a known fan of all things geek and having such a big box office draw no doubt helped it move forward. I am an unapologetic fan of Vin Diesel because he just reminds me of the action stars of the 80s and 90s so you know exactly what you are going to get whether it be here, Riddick or Fast and Furious. That being said he is fine in the role, but I was a little bummed they didn’t try to make him up to look a little more the part. I know hair on the character is a silly thing, but I think it could have made bring something visually different to the role and feel more like Bloodshot. I am not one to usually complain about the visuals of characters that change on the big screen as long as they have a sense of the original look, but here we barely get it all outside of a small amount of his grey/white skin at the end of the film.
The rest of the cast are fine with only one of the henchmen types that is apart of the team who just got on my nerves throughout the film. I know
he was supposed to be a douche, but it just didn’t work for me. The trailers already tell you what they are doing to him so I applaud the creative way they allow the film to unfold to still make it feel fresh, but the use of that annoying character to deliver the info felt both irritating and forced. The always great Guy Pearce chews up every scene he is in and the underused Toby Kebbell looks to be having a blast despite not getting enough to do. I really dug Eiza Gonzalez’s character as she was not only interesting, but she brought the needed emotion to the story alongside Diesel.
Let’s be honest movies like this are about bringing the action and there is plenty. Some of it works insanely well and others lost their flare due to the editing. The tunnel scene showcased in the trailer is a visual treat offering you up not only the fun action but the fun of seeing the nanites in action. Some of the fight sequences look to be both well executed and some badass choreography, but thanks to some choppy editing lose some steam. The effects are pretty well done with a few of the bigger ones at the end not fully working, but I still had fun watching it all go down.
In the end I still enjoyed the film but was just hoping for something bigger and more surprises. This is likely due to being spoiled in the big budget comic films now and this one is the possible beginning of something more. I hope this film does well to allow it to grow past this one and get more to the meat and fun of not only Bloodshot, but also the rest of the Valiant Universe that could offer up something pretty damn great.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including Outtakes & Blooper Reel, featurettes, Deleted & Extended Scenes including an Alternate Ending and more. Join the fight with Bloodshot available now on digital, 4K Ultra, Blu-ray and DVD from Sony Home Entertainment.