I'm a huge fan of Matthew Reilly's novels and this certainly hit the usual story beats. On paper it should have been one hell of an action packed ride and I really wanted to enjoy it as his directorial debut, appreciate it as a throwback tropey Action Flick of the 90s. But even as your stereotypical action flick it was mostly too insipid and contrived. Less than stellar performances didn't helping the oft cringey dialogue. I groaned and eye rolled many times. However the action sequences got better later into the film.
The main character fell flat, even without the hamfisted, poorly executed MeToo Wokeism. MR always has damanged Main Characters but that backstory and damage usually amounts to something or ties-in somehow. He is more than capable of writing amazing female characters so it was a real disappointment to have the focal point of the film to be reduced to something so flat and 2D, defined by nothing else but the 'message'.
The singular room concept helped to build tension and suspense and there are some genuinely impressive moments, especially where the main villain is concerned. That character was the defining highlight of the film. CGI was also pretty consistently solid.
Probably a safe route to have started with an original IP to build up the skills and clout as there is definitely some potential. Still looking forward to what he brings us next (the cameo appearance was very on the nose and I loved it!)