felix-wyderka
"Colombiana" is a weak movie with very little tension and no real execution. Many of the scenes seem rushed and not finished there is also a lack of emotions. Saldana tries very hard to convey the emotions to the viewer but fails miserably. Throughout the whole movie the viewer never feels really comfortable and everything feels out of place. The some story lines never really line up. In the middle of the movie there is a period when all the actors, especially Saldana, try to make the situation exciting and suspenseful but that never really happens. They rather appear awkward and helpless. In a scene close to the end of the movie when Saldana's character holds another character hostage and instead of appearing threatening and though, she breaks down crying like a little girl. The whole movie seems off and out of place. As to the other cinematic elements there is not much to say. There is neither special cinematography nor directing. The music fits the movie and is often out of place and not really fitting and emotional. The story and screenplay, both written by Luc Besson, have great potential and hurts me to see such a promising story butchered and neglected in so many points like this. I read very recently that a sequel is planned and I think that a movie horrible like this should not get a sequel. All I can hope for is that they this time maybe let Besson direct the sequel and it might turn out better. In conclusion we can say that "Colombiana" was a misstep of a movie and I wouldn't watch in some time in the near future.
AverxgeJoe
Colombiana was a mess to be honest. Yes the movie has a good premise and a revenge story going for it, but then it has loads of other dumb parts which really bring the film down. The silly writing makes sure that I can't take this movie seriously, like the filmmakers intend. This is not something like Piranha 3DD (which I just saw) where the filmmakers clearly know that they are making a dumb movie and they embrace it. (Piranha 3DD was still bad) But Colombiana tries to be a legitimate action film and fails miserably.Director Olivier Megaton is not a good director. He handles the basics reasonably well, but when **** hits the fan and audience expects a good action sequence, you will not get one. One of the scenes in the climax is a prime example of this. Terrible angles and incredibly short shots make it hard to see what's going on. And it really shatters the illusion that there is a life and death situation going on with our main character.The acting was a hit and miss, Lenny James being the hit and everyone else being the miss. The bad directing, plot holes and plot conveniences made sure that this movie was a bad experience.
James Wood
Zoe Saldana is one of the finest action female action stars today, her ability to kick ass and deliver emotion at the same time is incredible. Colombiana is a spectacular action vehicle led by Saldana as an assassin out to exact revenge on the men who brutally murdered her family. The story is familiar revenge territory but I liked the characters and their dedication to meet their goals. The police, always behind the tail but still one step behind the killer. There's some blistering action throughout, the opening is quiet yet tense as Cataleya purposely enters a prison and sneaks around narrowly avoiding detection. The villa scene with the pool sharks is very stealthy and stylish, but the finale is where the showdown really starts as gunfire, wildly chaotic explosions and violence break out in spectacular style, Olivier Megaton's fast cut editing is just breathless and I love the sunbaked cinematography. This is one of my all time favourite films, Zoe Saldana is pure talent in the role, convincing as a killer yet innocent and sweet. Amandla Stenberg is absolutely brilliant as young Cataleya whose performance opens the first twenty odd minutes, Stenberg is a little revelation and a thrill to watch as she evades gunmen and goes on her own journey. Yet another marvellous female led action movie that delivers fierce action and a solid storyline bolstered down by exceptional performances.
tr91
Colombiana - A young girl witnesses her parents getting killed and is determined for revenge in the future. The plot is simple and very easy to follow. There is a lot of tense music throughout which creates a good atmosphere.The action is extremely fast paced and done in an over the top style, there's a lot of fighting/killing mainly at the finale, some of which is very brutal. The dogs in the van is a particularly memorable scene. The story develops at a nice pace and the film overall offers a bit more than I expected. I as the viewer really liked Cataleya as we saw her develop a lot throughout the film. Amandla Stenberg is fantastic as young Cataleya. The film really heats up when we are taken 15 years on and Zoe Saldana takes over. She is absolutely superb in the role of the stone cold assassin out for revenge. She's got the looks, moves & style. If you don't take the film too seriously then it will be enjoyable. Overall Colombiana kept me entertained from start to finish. A very good action flick. 8/10
AD
