BASTILLE DAY (2016) Review
Directed by James Watkins
Bastille Day, if you’re not familiar about it, is a French National Day, commemorating the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1798. Now, the film is set days before and during Bastille Day, ergo the title of the film. Starring Idris Elba from Marvel’s Thor and Richard Madden who, unfortunately was one of the dead characters in George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.
The film is fun at times, thanks to its stars that can make something from its silly premise an enjoyable action thriller movie. Idris Elba and Richard Madden do have an effective chemistry for a buddy-cop film even though one of them is the only cop in the film. The film is ridiculous at times though, and the story is pretty predictable but you’ll just go on with it because of its tad above average and fun action sequences.
But the film is ridiculous though. Even if it is decently told, the story has a lot of awkwardly presented plot points. Its villain tries to be trendy by using hashtags as one of its grand topping in luring the media to its plan. It’s main flaw though is its isolation of its heroes. The film clearly has more than enough characters to help but it can’t because it will diminish the idea of the big finale.
Sure, it’s fun and action-packed. But it feels like something we’ve seen before only new actors and setting. But it’s politics, twists and turns are far too familiar for it to be one of those unforgettable action movies.
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Bastille Day” is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide from Axinite Digicinema, Inc. Rated R-13 by the MTRCB.