Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2009

©2008 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

This lead-footed, almost entirely incomprehensible film combines religious mumbo-jumbo with some perfunctory action sequences to create something I’d call disappointing had it raised any expectations at all. The formerly promising Vin Diesel phones in a performance as a mercenary hired to deliver a “package” (Mélanie Thierry, possibly hired because Milla Jovovich was booked) from an Eastern European convent to a near-future, post-apocalyptic New York (nice production design, though). The director, Mathieu Kassovitz, has already denounced this as “pure violence and stupidity.” What do you need me for?