Interceptor Review: Elsa Pataky Holds Her Own In Wonky Action Thriller
Interceptor is one of those action films born from the subgenre Die Hard created, using the ticking clock strategy to create a tense, fast-paced and entertaining action film. The hero has a fixed target and a clear mission, and for 90 minutes, viewers watch as they outsmart, outmaneuver, and outfight their enemies. It seems like an easy task, but it can be challenging to carry the momentum. As many will attest, Die Hard is an exception. A film that aspires to reach those heights needs to have everything working perfectly, starting with a leading actor that can carry a movie alongside engaging fight choreography, exceptional filming techniques, and pacing that constantly ratchets up the tension. In Interceptor, Matthew Reilly, in his directorial debut, has taken on quite the task and the result is somewhat entertaining, silly, and wonky.
Elsa Pataky stars as Captain JJ Collins, who has recently been stationed at one of two interceptor bases for the U.S. Army. These interceptor bases are the last line of defense in the event of a nuclear strike from Russia or any enemy state across the Pacific Ocean. After facing sexual harassment and the full brunt of a patriarchal backlash for standing up for herself, Collins is demoted to her previously held post on SBX-1. Just as she arrives, a coordinated attack at the first interceptor base and an attack on one of Russia's missile bases is carried out on SBX-1. JJ, who the army undermined, is now the only person who can save the United States and maybe the world.
Related: Elsa Pataky: Interceptor Interview
Technically speaking, the film is fine. By Hollywood standards, the action is better than most, but it's still heavily edited to mask either the poor choreography or a misguided
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