Review

Review Date: 25-April-10
Spoiler Rating: Low
Juju Judgment: Juicy

The Losers (2010)

The Losers is based on a comic book series about an elite group of American soldiers betrayed by a CIA agent. As far as the movie goes, the moniker does not fit. The five men in the unit are courageous, capable, and sexy, as is the mysterious woman who joins their quest for revenge. Even though they kill people for a living, you know they're decent because in the opening scene they take huge risks to protect 25 children and a teddy bear. They're the kind of fighters who usually hit their targets but rarely get hit themselves. In short, these so-called losers are idealized heroes whom only escapist fantasy can devise. By achieving a balance between their ludicrousness and their personality, the movie delivers just that.

The team is led by Jeffrey Dean Morgan (the American Javier Bardem, methinks) playing a tough guy who carries his own and others' sorrows on his shoulders. After their betrayal, he and his men are stranded in Bolivia, presumed dead and branded as traitors, and he writhes over their lack of options. Enter Zoe Saldana as a hot babe who proposes to fund their payback if she gets to come along for her own. The cute tech nerd (Chris Evans), silent sniper (Oscar Jaenada), and expectant daddy/transportation whiz (Columbus Short) are willing to follow their commander even if his gonads are influencing his decision. Only the weapons expert (Idris Elba) expresses concern over the plan and introduces a hint of dissension to the ranks. Still they proceed.

A steady stream of humor flavors the action, mostly generated by Evans (who excels at it) and Jason Patric as the psychotic nemesis with a yen for world war. Long-range rifling and coercion by murder are shown to be fun with a little creativity involved. There are twists and turns, some PG-13 sex, and a lot of battles reminiscent of old-school video games (line 'em up, shoot 'em down, don't dwell on loss or gore). Although some ends remain loose (prelude to a sequel?), the Losers naturally come out on top. More power to them. Whether wreaking havoc, wisecracking, or warbling '80s tunes, they keep you entertained with never a dull moment.

Copyright © 2010 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.