Film Review – Prisoner of War

Screenwriter Marc Clebanoff and director Louis Mandylor are attempting to make a steely film in “Prisoner of War.” It’s a World War II tale, exploring the brutality of the Battle of Battan while also striving to appeal to action movie fans with fight choreography, which is less expensive than trying to replicate a global conflict. The picture stars Scott Adkins (who also claims a story credit), who’s become a dependable screen presence over the last decade, playing up his physical presence in features that often have him working with stunts, not always dramatics. One can sense Adkins is trying to do something a little more challenging with his part in “Prisoner of War,” and he’s certainly good here, portraying a caged man looking to make sense of his enemy. The endeavor initially captures attention with its B-movie ways and cast interplay, and there are highlights, but Mandylor moves slowly with the offering, believing he’s making something thoughtful, killing pace in a quest to elevate the effort. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com