Redemption Day

Trying to address real-world political and moral concerns, this action movie instead comes across as utterly generic and low-rent, with no surprises or thrills and with little emotional engagement. Moroccan-born director and co-writer Hicham Hajji does get points for trying to shed light on events in Syria, Morocco, and Algeria -- and for trying to make a statement about the United States' lust for oil. He also gets a few points for avoiding any kind of gung-ho blind patriotism. But all of these things are uncomfortably wrapped up in a bland, lifeless action movie that resorts to dull, shaky-cam thrills and cheap-looking gunshot wounds.

One scene in particular verges on being offensive: It tries to make viewers believe that Kate is going to be raped but instead pulls a "twist." Both Dourdan and Swan are likable enough in their roles, but the roles themselves are flatlined, mainly expressed in soft, serious tones throughout, without any nuance or depth. In supporting roles, Ernie Hudson and Martin Donovan are serviceable, doing the kind of thing they regularly do. Garcia at least gets to chew on some scenery, actually chewing on Cuban cigars as a bonus. In the end, though, Redemption Day is, sadly, unredeemable.