Lockout
2012 · Directed by Stephen St. Leger, James Mather
Original language: English
- action
- thriller
- science fiction
The story
Set in the near future, Lockout follows a falsely convicted ex-government agent , whose one chance at obtaining freedom lies in the dangerous mission of rescuing the President's daughter from rioting convicts at an outer space maximum security prison.
What it’s like
Hard daylight and stark fluorescent interiors give way to neon-streaked, grimy corridors and a cold, grey-white orbital station, with the camera mostly kinetic and close, shoving through crowded halls and tight spaces rather than lingering on scenery. The palette swings between washed-out blues and warm, sweaty amber, and the image has a glossy digital sheen that suits its slick, pulpy confidence. The score pulses with synth-heavy electronic beats that drive the action forward, while wisecracking dialogue fills the gaps between bouts of noise and gunfire. Its vibe is brash, high-octane and tongue-in-cheek, the kind of thing to put on for a loud Friday night or an easy airplane screen when you want momentum over subtlety. Pacing is brisk and relentless, with a wisecracking, cynical antihero slowly warming to a young woman he's been ordered to rescue and eventually finding a reason to care. Violence is frequent and fairly brutal, with gunfights, fistfights and bloody injuries, plus some peril and menace in the prison riot scenes, but little that is graphic or lingering. It suits viewers who want roguish action, sci-fi spectacle and a lighthearted, fast ride more than anything gentle or reflective.
More films like Lockout
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Lockoutand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
