A_Different_Drummer
At first glance it checks all the boxes: madman running a contest between champions from a safe distance; greedy ultra-rich gambling on the lives of those they consider lesser; cameras everywhere; interesting cameos; mayhem and violence ...But then you look closer and you see A-list production values and a novel "redemption" twist with a priest in the game (well played by Robert Carlyle) -- and this strange arc comes to dominate the film and hold interest, even with all the shooting and explosives.And amazingly it more or less works. It entertains. Does what it is supposed to (within the confines of the genre).Always great to see Kelly Hu in action too, arguably one of the most beautiful women in the world. She did not do enough movies.
SpicyCabbage
As soon as you read the summary for this movie you know exactly what you are in for. There are no amazing plot twists or outstanding visual effects but if you have made the decision to watch this film then you shouldn't be expecting any. If you want an easy to watch, over the top action movie which doesn't require too much thought or attention then this will satisfy your needs. It promises blood, guns and lots of fighting and it gives you exactly that. Nothing more and nothing less. So if you want to kill an easy 90 minutes and don't get frustrated by plot holes, average acting and over the top characters then give it a watch.
Warren Marris
30 Players in a match to the death... What more do you want to hear?Some wonderful acting in what is essentially a film geared up on violence. And it does make the film so much more enjoyable believe it or not.OK! There is not the time to get to know all 31 Players - You will see in the synopsis that Robert Carlyle plays a Priest who gets caught up in the game... - But that does not matter.You will quickly come to love the three main protagonists - Kelly Wu and Carlyle act their socks off.And yes, it is a predictable ending but none the less enjoyable. A film that is worth a second watch.
cpt_guapo
The film kinda get the reality shows essence, with a pinch of Predator script ("every seven years...") but with assassins as participants and very rich and influent people manipulating the situation. Not that original but, you know...Robert Carlyle and Ian Somerhalder are great in this movie and they are the highlight of acting on it. Robert pass us the humanity factor, being very convincing as always. What a such outstanding actor! I'm a huge fan of him. And Ian is really good as the mad man. He's really surprised me... The role of Ving Rhames was badly made, not appearing he is a great hit-man. It seemed something was missing... Well, thumbs down to the writers. Kelly Hu was so-so in her character but, I don't know, there are so many excellent Chinese actresses to play a role like that... Why her? Really good acting too of Liam Cunningham. His voice looks like those trailer movies' narrators and his presence was strong.One more time, Scott Adkins was underused in a film... When, when, when someone is going to give him a proper attention? He deserves it! His fight with Kelly is great, the best of the movie, but due to laziness (or whatever happened) of writers, he's like a Yuri Boyka's clone, as a Russian assassin... Anyone there remembered a certain Isaac Florentine's movies? Sebastien Foucan, although was good playing a parkour guy (again), they let him with more participation... What a sin! Another thing that made me really admired was the special effects of explosions, mainly body explosions! They surpassed themselves on that! Excellent indeed. The blood effects are awesome too.While not a blockbuster, I recommend "The Tournament" without hesitate. It is definitely a much better choice than many of so called "action movies" out there. With more money, and perhaps time, to writers, it would be an enormous hit.
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