” …there are brief nuggets of substance. But it all takes a backseat to the action which is at times clumsily captured but otherwise violently effective, especially given the film’s tight budget. It’s brutal and to-the-point, like the film itself…” 3/5 The Guardian
“When it comes to plot structure and character development, Interceptor underachieves in every category. But if we were to examine this from a purely entertainment perspective, there might be enough to warrant a viewing. Although I wouldn’t go so far as to call this a “good movie,” I must admit there was never a point where I was bored stiff.” Grade: C, The MacGuffin
” …Matthew Reilly’s thriller definitely takes itself just too-seriously enough, if that makes any sense. If it doesn’t, that’s fine. Nothing about criticism is exactly objective science, anyway, but to put things in a different perspective, the movie clearly knows it’s silly but doesn’t fully embrace just how silly it actually is.” 2/4 Mark Reviews Movies
“The “messaging” — about the reasons her captain has been exiled to this outpost, the sorts of grievances the far-right buys into on behalf of the far rich, Russian bad intent, etc — is broadly laid out and laid on thick. But Australian novelist turned novice-director Matthew Reilly has no sense of screen pace – none — and no willingness to acknowledge the absurd in situations, set-pieces or dialogue.” 1.5/4 Movie Nation
” …despite the ridiculous script, the film actually stages its action incredibly well. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and don’t rely on shaky camera work or too-excessive choppy editing […] if Beattie and Really did scan through action film after action film for the most cliched, absurd dialogue, they also managed to pick up tips on how to actually make a good action movie!” 3/5 Nerdly
Choice dialogue:
JJ Collins: “I thought I was done with this sh-t.”
Captain John Welsh: “We’re the only thing standing between America and the Armaggeddon.”
Corporal Rahul Shah: “Did you just stab that guy in the eye with your gun?”
Beaver: “Sh-t. I don’t even recognise America these days.”
Release:
Interceptor was released for streaming on Netflix worldwide on June 3, 2022. Despite mostly negative reviews, the film subsequently became the no.1 watched movie with about 50 million hours viewed.
Cast and characters:
Elsa Pataky … JJ Collins
Luke Bracey … Alexander
Aaron Glenane … Beaver
Mayen Mehta … Shah
Paul Caesar … Captain Lou Welsh
Belinda Jombwe … Ensign Washington
Marcus Johnson … General Dyson
Zoe Carides … President Wallace
Kim Knuckey … General Crowthorne
Cristian Saliadarre … Russian Submarine Captain
Rhys Muldoon … Marshall
Riley Dandy … Holly Simmons
Tim Wong … Zhang
Ché Baker … Corporal Swain
Steve Morris … Machale
Ali Kadhim … Dark Cloud, Japanese Sword Guy
Janelle McMenamin … Fox News Anchor
Steven A. Davis … Nikolai
Mark Dessaix … Game Theorist
Rachel Biazzo … Alexa
Nick Barker-Pendree … CNN News Anchor
Trailer:
Behind-the-scenes clip:
