There is absolutely no question the war is one of the most heinous activity that our species has ever devised. As one song notes ‘War what is it good for; absolutely nothing’. Technically there have traditionally a few endeavors have benefited from armed conflict such as certain technologies, medical techniques and film scripts. There is even an entire genre dedicated to stories concerning war and the very first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture was a war In World War II films were full of heroic men bravely facing unimaginable overwhelming odds for the American way. During Vietnam movies ere as divided as the feelings of the population with many films reflecting the growing anti-war sentiment. Once again our country is engaged in another war. The public is again divided in how the perceive the war in the Middle East. Many feel that the etiology of the war is shrouded in the interest of certain large businesses and political ambition. Still one difference between the public reaction now and back in Vietnam is most people that hate the war still support the men and women serving overseas. The war film may have moved beyond the jingoistic flicks prevalent in the forties but they still attempt the same goal; action, drama and excitement. Another tradition with Hollywood is to utilize ruggedly handsome actors in the leading roles. In times past they would recruit from westerns and other action oriented genres. Now one of the most fertile sources for new action adventure stars is the world of professional wrestling. Several wrestlers have broken away from the pack and reinvented their careers outside the ring most notably Hulk Hogan and Dwayne Johnson who has successfully migrated away from his personae as ‘The Rock’. In the direct to video flick ‘The Marine 2’ star of the WWF/WWE, Ted DiBiase Jr. takes center stage to fight a one man war against terrorist that not only threaten other Americans but are about to kill his beautiful young wife. It is rated ‘R’ for explicit violence but for the grown up guys out there it provides a testosterone heavy romp through the jungle shooting everything in sit and blowing up everything else.

Writing the screenplay were Christopher Borrelli and John Chapin Morgan. Borrelli had a prior script but this is his freshman effort. Both deported themselves admirably. The fundamental story line is extremely predicable but there is a certain ease afforded by this in getting into the flick. The idea of one lone man standing against a large band of terrorists does sound awfully familiar especially for fans of ‘Die Hard’. The script is decidedly on the minimalist side with several pivotal characters one dimensional with little or no rational other that one or two scenes. Directing the movie is Netherlands native Roel Reiné. He does sport a background in the action genre and this experience shows in the efficiency of his directorial style here. The opening scene has Joe (Ted DiBiase Jr.) with his partner on a mission to terminate a target. Once in position he observes a more important ‘target of opportunity’ and is given permission to eliminate him. After shooting the man his body guards’ blow up the building top the pair of Marines are using for cover, in the attack a young boy is killed and Joe has to be pulled away to safety. This quickly and neatly establishes a couple of things about Joe; he can be a highly efficient killer and he has an internal imperative to protect the innocent. This no nonsense approach is indicative of his style; straight forward getting the exposition out of the way for the action. Considering a large part of the target audience will be WWE fans an overly chatty flick would never fly.

Joe gets a little ‘R&R’ when he gets back taking it to visit with his wife Robin (Lara Cox). She is a highly successful event planner for the ultra rich and is currently in the Philippines preparing a festive grand opening for a new ultra luxury resorted built by a billionaire named Conner. Joe gets there the day before the event taking his wife diving guided by a former Military explosives expert, Church (Michael Rooker). The event is a lavish affair but when Connor challenges Joe Robin practically has to hold him back, as Joe goes to get those drinks Church is setting off the fireworks. Suddenly the festive noise and lights are superseded but incoming artillery and the appearance of a sizable group of highly trained, masked mercenaries that take the party’s guests and host hostage. Joe managers to get away but is unable to rescue Robin. The leader of the group makes a televised statement punctuated by the beheading of one hostage, that his group demands their government remove the corrupting Western interests as represented by the resort. Even though the government official and the local military leader tell Joe in no uncertain terms that his help is not wanted the dedicated Jarhead goes on a one man rampage picking off one terrorist after another. As if this isn’t close enough to ‘Die Hard’ there is also a terrorist personally after Joe because he killed his hot headed younger brother.

He film is a good popcorn flick that is fast paced with enough action to keep the wrestling fans happy. Ted DiBiase Jr. has a reasonable Ninja wannabes. The video is excellent but the audio is mastered at a lower level than typical for a movie like this. Get it for a little entertainment but keep your expectations in check.

Behind The Scenes
Village Virtuoso:
- The Final Fight
- The Last Resort: Inside The Terrorists' Siege
- Building A Legacy: Ted's Story, And More!
Mauy Thai Fight Outtakes
Deleted Scenes
Extended Scenes
Making The Cut: Deleted Shot Montage