Rated PG-13, 95 minutes
File "Lockout" under "guilty pleasure." Much like another new release this weekend, "The Three Stooges," I went into this entertaining but derivative action flick not expecting much at all, but came away more satisfied than I should've. Part sci-fi flick and part action thriller, the Luc Besson-produced "Lockout" is nothing new; as a matter of fact this is really just a rehash of something that Bruce Willis would've done back in the 90s, then realizing how charming and entertaining Willis' movies were, even if some were not that great (speaking of which, "Lockout" reminds me of the 1997 Besson/Willis film "The Fifth Element"). Set in the year 2079, "Lockout" stars Australian actor Guy Pearce in the Willis role, as Snow, a former government agent wrongly convicted of a crime he didn't commit. He is recruited to save the U.S. President's daughter (Maggie Grace), who is stuck in a maximum security prison in space after the prisoners take it over. Fast-paced, entertaining but lacking considerably in originality or depth, "Lockout" should satisfy those seeking an above-average, CG-laden action thriller mixed in with science fiction and some memorable bad guys (led by Swedish character actor Peter Stormare). A buffed-up Pearce is a serviceable and unlikely action hero, though he and "Lost's" Grace (still not a great actress) don't have much chemistry together. Produced by Besson, who is noted for over-the-top, fast-paced productions like these, "Lockout" has some fun moments and the plot moves at a swift, but predictable pace. You'll roll your eyes at some of "Lockout's" ludicrous plot points, but one thing is for sure, you won't be looking at your watch.
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