Security 2017 * * 1/2 Stars

Director: Alain Desrochers
Year: 2017
Rated R
Rating: * * 1/2 Stars
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Gabriella Wright, Ben Kingsley

I might be one of the few people who prefers 2005's Assault on Precinct 13 over John Carpenter's original from 1976. Security which is my latest write-up, heavily reminded me of 2005's "Assault" (and slightly reminded me of 2004's Dawn of the Dead). The only difference is that the happenings take place in a mall as opposed to a police station. Also, the target hit isn't Laurence Fishburne's menacing Bishop. Instead, it's a bratty little girl named Jamie (played by an actress who vaguely resembles Curly Sue).

Anyway, Security does have a few moments that could qualify it as a ruthless, loud, and relentlessly violent thriller. However, this film is tense yet disposable at the same time. You have thunder and lightning coming in on cue to add to Security's recycled agitation. Then, you get Rio Bravo being aped multiple times which robs Security of its unmentioned originality. Finally, there's an annoying character named Vance (Liam McIntyre). His opening, head-of-mall-guard monologue almost keeps Security from sustaining any sense of dramatic thrust.

At 88 undermining minutes, Security might evaporate in your mind right after you see it. Yeah it's good to have Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley go head to head as a Marine Captain and a nasty contract killer. But hey, you wonder why they agreed to a screenplay that has some really idiomatic expressions (some of the mall-speak in Security is very difficult to listen to).

In retrospect, director Alain Desrochers (he mostly helms TV series stuff) pulls off bullet-ridden shootouts and some nifty hand-to-hand combat sequences despite the fact that you can't quite view every detail. Hold up though. With minimal gore and a direct-to-video release in the states, Security's budget ($15 million) is half of what Jean-Francois Richet's was in 05'. It shows. In jest, Security lacks the epic tranquility and theatrical stamina of Assault on Precinct 13. Added to that, the acting around its leads (Kingsley and Banderas overshadow the C-list cast) is less than persuasive and not very memorable. Overall, a mixed review from me.

Written by Jesse Burleson