Bloodshot [Digital]

Director: David S.F. Wilson

Cast: Vin Diesel, Eiza González, Guy Pearce

Release Date: May 5, 2020 (4K UHD/BD/DVD)

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Film Rating: 6/10

Synopsis:

Based on the bestselling comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation. With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly. But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too. Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out.

Based upon the popular comic book, ‘Bloodshot’ tells the story of Ray Garrison (Diesel), a deceased soldier who finds himself brought back to life and nearly indestructible after a successful scientific trial replaces his blood with nanotechnology capable of countless impressive feats, granting him unthinkable power. A power he immediately uses to avenge the murder of his true love, killed in front of him prior to his own demise. But as a sense of déjà vu and other odd occurrences become more frequent, he soon realizes that nothing is quite what it seems. Now he must attempt to uncover the truth behind his resurrection and the tricks his mind is playing on him without getting noticed by the wrong people.

Directed by David S.F. Wilson (and marking his feature length directorial debut) from a screenplay by Jeff Wadlow (Truth or Dare) and Eric Heisserer (Bird Box), Wilson does a quite capable job at the helm of ‘Bloodshot’ nicely guiding along the extravagant action and fun. The film features a cast that includes a number of talented folks and familiar faces, including Vin Diesel (the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise), Eiza González (Baby Driver), Guy Pearce (Iron Man 3), Sam Heughan (TV’s Outlander), Toby Kebbell (Kong: Skull Island), Talulah Riley (TV’s Westworld), Lamorne Morris (TV’s New Girl) and more, the majority each offering fitting and mostly solid performances for the most part in their respective roles.

‘Bloodshot’ manages to serve up an action-packed, explosive and over to the top sci-fi ride with its share of enjoyable elements throughout. It benefits a great deal from the gorgeously crafted action sequences and the various science fiction creations and enhancements showcased within which both come together to deliver some quite entertaining and grin inducing scenes that are the real highlight of this comic based film. At the same time ‘Bloodshot’ does have its faults, and the over the top action and extravagance  occasionally results in things becoming a bit sillier than perhaps they should, while some story elements could also use a bit more focus or exploration. Fortunately if you can go in expecting a ride that’s somewhat cheesy, yet equally exciting and just downright fun, then ‘Bloodshot’ shouldn’t entirely disappoint. It’s also worth noting that I’m not familiar with the comic book series that serves as its basis, therefore my review is based solely on the movie itself and I’m unfortunately unable to provide any insight to how the two relate or compare. That being said, ‘Bloodshot’ is far from perfect or Oscar worthy, but if you enjoy a fast paced and visually solid sci-fi action film and/or the work of Vin Diesel, then this one is probably still well worth checking out whenever it might be convenient.

Some of you may be curious as to why we’re covering some Digital releases such as this recently instead of physical releases like usual and the answer is quite simple; during this current troubling time many studios haven’t been able to send out physical product and we felt many readers would still at least love some insight on the films themselves in this situation, as well as extras included digitally. As far as technical merits for the Digital release of ‘Bloodshot’ are concerned, I won’t bother discussing the video and audio presentations considering those will both differ between various digital retailers and applications, although the Digital release (at least the Movies Anywhere edition that I was provided for this review) does also include a nice collection of bonus content which is certainly worth a mention. Included with the Digital purchase of ‘Bloodshot’ (please note that extras can vary by retailer and that these extras are also specific to Digital and not any physical releases of the movie) is a collection of ‘Deleted and Extended Scenes’ from the movie (running approximately 8 minutes in length altogether) including an ‘Alternate Ending’ both with and without commentary, in addition to an ‘Outtakes and Blooper Reel’ (running approximately 2 minutes) and a 4-part look into the tech with ‘R.S.T. CLASSIFIED INTEL: CHAINSAW’ (approximately 6 minutes combined). We’re also treated to a couple of Behind the Scenes Featurettes that include interviews/comments with the cast and crew, plus behind the scenes footage and more; they include ‘Initiate Sequence: Directing Bloodshot’ (running approximately 9 minutes) and ‘Forgotten Soldiers: The Cast of Bloodshot’ (approximately 11 minutes).

Overall, ‘Bloodshot’ a fun, fast paced sci-fi action tale that doesn’t quite manage to get everything down perfectly but certainly delivers enough solid and thrilling excitement to make it worthwhile. It’s by no means a perfect film or a terrible one but as a whole I would recommend ‘Bloodshot’ to anyone seeking an easygoing action film to just relax and get away from the world with. It has its troubles and some elements are a bit ridiculous, but it largely makes up for some of that with all of the visually gorgeous action and sci-fi fun that if does offer in spades. If you can go in without expecting a cinematic masterpiece and are already at all interested in ‘Bloodshot’ it’ll likely at least prove worthy of your time and the price of a rental, and fans of the movie considering a Digital purchase should also have some fun with the decent collection of bonus content that’s included.

Film Rating: 6/10

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‘Bloodshot’ is Now Available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

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