REVIEW: COLOMBIANA

3/5

Zoë Saldana is ready to bloom..

108 Minutes. Starring: Zoë Saldana, Michael Vartan, Cliff Curtis, Lennie James, Callum Blue & Jordi Mollà. Director: Olivier Megaton. Screenplay: Luc Besson
Robert & Mark Kamen

What do you get if you take an unconventional Hollywood picture add some French, a hint of Colombian and set it in Chicago, all whilst arming the hottest young female actor in the world with a gun and plenty of attitude? You get 'Colombiana'. 'La Femme Nikita' director Olivier Megaton reloads his female assassins gun and hands it to Saldana, who since huge hits 'Star Trek' and 'Avatar' has the future of Hollywood in her hands.

She may want to grasp a little tighter however as this action flick shoots a little below her range. It's far from being a bad film but 'Colombiana' does not reach the heights that Salanda's career is about to scale. Her ceiling is higher then this basic action that sticks to the script and unfortunately some stereotypes. Even a great soundtrack featuring Johnny Cash can't help this film from being hurt a little. It's exciting and cool but just a little too weak for such a strong character and lead.

This is still far from a character assassination as the crazy, sexy, cool Saldana gives this movie some TLC showing she can carry herself both physically and mentally in this movie that is packed with some sensational, set-piece action and some emotional heart. It's raining tears and bullets in a movie that overcomes its dry spells with some bright spots. From looking like a drunk Rihanna with short-hair in disguise to looking as sexy as Halle Berry in a catsuit, Zoe can fit into any 'guise and looks all the better for it. With some attractive direction the 'Avatar' star doesn't even have to go blue for this movie to attract your eye.

As our lead Catalina (this would have made for a better name for the movie) family get slaughtered in Colombia, she heads to America to get her 'Lady Of Vengeance' on, with the help of some great training and support by classy, character actor Cliff Curtis. That's basically it as this simple style over 'The Brave One' substance affair doesn't screw around. Some nice detective work (thanks to Lennie James) and entertaining shark attacks save this film from being sunk and buried. Still a little bit more of a story or some 'Leon' would of been the best dish served cold. Then we would really have a hot movie on our hands, still armed with a pistol Saldana still holds some heat and shoots straight. With better aim and more time on her next shot, she'll find her mark and hit the target. TIM DAVID HARVEY.