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The Marine
2006 92 min Australia, United States of America PG-13 16+
★4.7
Action
Director: John Bonito
Trailers
Description
A group of diamond thieves on the run kidnap the wife of a recently discharged marine who goes on a chase through the South Carolinian wilderness to retrieve her.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$18.84M
Worldwide:
$22.17M
Starring
John Cena
Actor
Kelly Carlson
Actor
Robert Patrick
Actor
Key opinion
The Marine is widely viewed as a derivative yet entertaining homage to 1980s and 90s action cinema. While critics and audiences frequently highlight its absurd plot, unrealistic physics, and cliché-ridden writing, many find it serves as an effective, nostalgic "popcorn" film when viewed as a lighthearted B-movie.
| Acting | Robert Patrick delivers a charismatic, occasionally self-parodic performance as the lead villain that stands out as the most memorable element of the cast. | |
| Originality | The film leans heavily into 80s and 90s action tropes, resulting in an unoriginal plot that recycles predictable rescue-mission clichés. | |
| Direction | The action choreography is technically proficient and satisfying for the genre, though it relies on impossible physics and cartoonish stunts. | |
| Acting | John Cena’s performance is polarizing; some praise his physical presence and suitability for a stoic hero role, while others dismiss his acting as wooden or expressionless. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the film's tone are divided: some appreciate the intentional humor and self-aware "cheesiness," while others find the script and dialogue simply poor and amateurish. |