It doesn't get any more amateur hour than this mess. Co-writer and director Daniel Markowicz put together a film that was riddled with cliches, plot holes and terrible action sequences and editing. A fifth grade drama class can do better. The lead actor was unconvincing and annoying - I'm sure part blame falls on poor cast directing. There were too many incomplete scenes and random ones that made no sense (girl with the tattoo on her forehead), and others were you will see an explosion and not know why/where it came from (e.g. Did helicopter pilot blow up army vehicles and save female soldier?). The entire story has been done many times before and all much better. How a filmmaker can make his viewers sit through a painful 98 min runtime and still barely know what that machine is/does is a sign of terrible filmmaking. There's absolutely no reason to waste your time with this nonsense, I did it for you.
12 Reviews
Squandered potential
A_T_S_A_I8 August 2023
Don't know how it was Netflix's most watched movie, at least that's what some articles reported on the Internet.
Gotta admit the trailer I viewed made it seem interesting and I did watched it.
But the acting by most of the side characters were horrible, like high school drama class play level talents, but only C+ level performance at best.
The first act was okay, setting up the back story and motivation for the main protagonist.
Second act was predictable, and even the double cross was predictable, because of how the movie progressed up to that point, so the "big bad" reveal was pretty much telegraphed or leaked by just keeping track of how much time is still left before the end of the movie.
Third act, predictable with almost no plot twist and the hero did his job to complete his primary objectives. He did failed the hostage rescue bonus objective and the acting to end the film made it feel like it was no big deal at all. So much for the grief of a daughter losing her dad. Or that scene was filmed way before and the actors had no clue about that minor detail in storytelling.
Just another movie with good potentials, getting sloppy with the progression of the film, and losing steam or good script to finish strong. So par for just about 90+% of Netflix movies.
Does it deserve the less than 4 out of 10 aggregate review rating? I think that's a bit harsh. I gave it 4, but it was not a 5, but I also viewed it with original Polish audio track, so the voiceover in English might be even more terrible, thus justifying the low user rating.
Netflix, don't give up, but do urge your directors and actors to do better on Netflix original projects.
Gotta admit the trailer I viewed made it seem interesting and I did watched it.
But the acting by most of the side characters were horrible, like high school drama class play level talents, but only C+ level performance at best.
The first act was okay, setting up the back story and motivation for the main protagonist.
Second act was predictable, and even the double cross was predictable, because of how the movie progressed up to that point, so the "big bad" reveal was pretty much telegraphed or leaked by just keeping track of how much time is still left before the end of the movie.
Third act, predictable with almost no plot twist and the hero did his job to complete his primary objectives. He did failed the hostage rescue bonus objective and the acting to end the film made it feel like it was no big deal at all. So much for the grief of a daughter losing her dad. Or that scene was filmed way before and the actors had no clue about that minor detail in storytelling.
Just another movie with good potentials, getting sloppy with the progression of the film, and losing steam or good script to finish strong. So par for just about 90+% of Netflix movies.
Does it deserve the less than 4 out of 10 aggregate review rating? I think that's a bit harsh. I gave it 4, but it was not a 5, but I also viewed it with original Polish audio track, so the voiceover in English might be even more terrible, thus justifying the low user rating.
Netflix, don't give up, but do urge your directors and actors to do better on Netflix original projects.
more like soulcrushing
LetsReviewThat263 August 2023
This movie was not great I have to be honest. The premise seemed interesting enough. A group are hired to retrieve a weapon of mass destruction, you know how it goes. The thing that I did find good about this though was how we had a zombie theme thrown in, the weapon causes the victim to die at first, but then come back and be angry. Almost to the point of a zombie like creature. The action is decent enough and works well for the film. The acting was decent as well. This movie just seemed decent. There was nothing to great and really this film was just an ok action. Not one of netflixes best, but not the worst either.
Soul catcher 2023
gurumaggie3 August 2023
The 70's called they want their plotline back! A film so bad Steven Segal wouldn't be in it.
A team the Expendables wouldn't touch with a bargepole take on an evil scientist (also from the 70's) who has a soul sucking device, as they land somewhere, I was too bored to care where, a child in a black dress looking like a historical figure with a tattoo on her head leads our intrepid nitwits to a village of zombies, she disappears, they all shoot at each other. People die it's very boring, plot holes you could drive a hummer through, cardboard cutout villains you can spot with your back to them, they threw money at this when they should have thrown a script and some decent actors.
Where have all the good films gone?
A team the Expendables wouldn't touch with a bargepole take on an evil scientist (also from the 70's) who has a soul sucking device, as they land somewhere, I was too bored to care where, a child in a black dress looking like a historical figure with a tattoo on her head leads our intrepid nitwits to a village of zombies, she disappears, they all shoot at each other. People die it's very boring, plot holes you could drive a hummer through, cardboard cutout villains you can spot with your back to them, they threw money at this when they should have thrown a script and some decent actors.
Where have all the good films gone?
Rate 1 would be overrated
drwx-886645 August 2023
Seriously....it's impossible to unseen this movie. It seems to be class Z production: far-fetched scenario, gun fight scenes repeated with mirror effect just to act as brand new for spectator, poor post-production CGI effects and finally: characters pale as medival virgin's skin. I can't believe that actor like Jacek Koman took part with this project. In 80s the movie could propably compete with movies starring Michael Dudikoff but today it makes me feel embarrased and ironic smile on my face appears. I tried to find any positive aspect of this movie but even trying to remind soundtrack is pointless. Many years ago I watched "The Taylor from Panama" and I scored it as worst movie I ever seen - unfortunately, it changed now.
Below average action movie trying influence polish political situation
cichyacz5 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As an action movie - it was just OK, with game like scene where main character walks down the corridor and enemies (apparently trained soldiers) approach him one after the other allowing him to take them down one by one :)
The movie takes an universal problem of powerful people using fear to gain in politics, but uses it to influence real political conflict in Poland.
The plot of the movie must have been written before war on Ukraine, as the movie tries to indicate that the Polish government is using artificial threats for their political reasons and places patriots as negative characters.
Now after the war on Ukulele started, when the threats highlighted by government materialised, this movie lost it's political aspect and is only "below average" action movie.
I don't regret watching it though - it did entertain me at the end.
The plot of the movie must have been written before war on Ukraine, as the movie tries to indicate that the Polish government is using artificial threats for their political reasons and places patriots as negative characters.
Now after the war on Ukulele started, when the threats highlighted by government materialised, this movie lost it's political aspect and is only "below average" action movie.
I don't regret watching it though - it did entertain me at the end.
Waste of time
tomasz-206127 August 2023
If you value your time do not waste it for this movie. Seems to me that they used people straight from the street, who have no idea how to act, as it's painfully unrealistic... Special effects out of movies in 1960's, story line like from some youtube channel. I don't understand how this movie made it to netflix... is it some new trend - bad is a new good? I have seen some corny movies before, but this one sets completely new standard :) If this is the way polish cinematography is going I am afraid it's time to focus on other countries, which is a shame, as they did make some really good movies in the past...
Now my #1 worst movie
kovesp13 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The good news for this movie, is that when I think it can't get worse, along comes one that is even more terrible. Incoherent story, two people are listed as written by but there is no trace of any writing anywhere. Lots of fighting between people dressed in black mostly at night by flickering flames. The operation of "the weapon" is never explained, nor are its effects elucidated. "The enemy" seems to have endless troops (wonder what the killed/minute average is), the alarms are blaring, but there is a minutes long single combat between "the villain" and "the hero" with all those "enemy" swarming everywhere else politely not intervening.
Early on I decided that it was actually a spoof-wannabe ... but it didn't help.
Early on I decided that it was actually a spoof-wannabe ... but it didn't help.
The girl is a bonus
nogodnomasters13 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Soulcatcher is the name of a machine originally designed to cure cancer. It is used by a warlord General Yousif (Mariusz Bonaszewski) to increase adrenaline and cause people to go into a killing rage. He plans to sell the machine. Fang (Piotr Witkowski) had to kill his own brother who was enraged by the machine. As a private contractor he is tasked to retrieve the device and kill the doctor who invented it. He is part of a group of people that must first have a get together as "family" is a Fast and Furious theme for mercenaries. Eliza Mazur (Michalina Olszanska) is the daughter of the professor who is also among this unnamed foreign group.
The film is Polish and dubbed which is why Poland is saving the world from the Soulcatcher. There were some light moments that didn't translate well. Who was the girl with the tattoo? What was that all about? A lot not explained. Seems like there are missing scenes.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
The film is Polish and dubbed which is why Poland is saving the world from the Soulcatcher. There were some light moments that didn't translate well. Who was the girl with the tattoo? What was that all about? A lot not explained. Seems like there are missing scenes.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
Wow
marcmomjian19 March 2024
I absolutely adored this movie from start to finish. From the moment the opening credits rolled, I was completely captivated by the storyline, the characters, and the stunning cinematography. The plot was so intricately woven, keeping me on the edge of my seat with its twists and turns. Each character was beautifully developed, making me feel emotionally invested in their journey. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering along with them as they navigated through their challenges and triumphs. The actors delivered outstanding performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The chemistry between the main characters was palpable, making their relationships feel incredibly real and relatable. The visual effects were simply breathtaking, transporting me to mesmerizing worlds and immersing me in every scene. And let's not forget about the soundtrack - it perfectly complemented the mood of each moment, enhancing the overall viewing experience. As the credits rolled at the end, I couldn't help but sit there in awe, feeling grateful for having experienced such a masterpiece. This movie truly touched my heart, leaving a lasting impression that I know I'll carry with me for years to come. I can't wait to watch it again and relive the magic all over again.
Not freeing your soul
kosmasp8 August 2023
No pun intended - I am not even sure if the (international) title is apt. But let's not get hung up on that. The movie seems like a throwback ... if that is a good or a bad thing ... well up to you! Quite a few cliches - things you have seen in US movies too. If you liked them there, you will like them here. I would not go as far as do Seagal comparisons - that is just me - and below the quality of the movie (as low as you may think it is).
The action is well shot, the predictability rate as high as the hit rate of our main character. He has charisma - and gets a band of misfits to help him. Again no points for guessing the twists (if you can call them that) ... also paper thin character development ... if any ...
The action is well shot, the predictability rate as high as the hit rate of our main character. He has charisma - and gets a band of misfits to help him. Again no points for guessing the twists (if you can call them that) ... also paper thin character development ... if any ...
A good (almost zombie) flick from Poland
schizofrederic3 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A good solid action thriller, which may be the first Polish movie that I've seen before. It has a decent set-up with a bunch of soldiers sent to acquire a machine that can turn people into murderous zombie-esque homicidal maniacs.
(Pros) A decent initial set-up / I appreciate it's musical score / The daughter of the scientist is quite easy on the eyes / The action is decent enough / I liked that one of the heroic characters was Indian and that they didn't make him a villain (or kill him off) / (Cons) The main lead has villainous eyes that makes him sometimes resemble an evil frog (but he was decent despite that lol) / The daughter didn't get the news of her fathers death on screen / (Who stole the movie ?) Michalina Olszanska.
(Pros) A decent initial set-up / I appreciate it's musical score / The daughter of the scientist is quite easy on the eyes / The action is decent enough / I liked that one of the heroic characters was Indian and that they didn't make him a villain (or kill him off) / (Cons) The main lead has villainous eyes that makes him sometimes resemble an evil frog (but he was decent despite that lol) / The daughter didn't get the news of her fathers death on screen / (Who stole the movie ?) Michalina Olszanska.
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