With hits like the ‘Blade’ trilogy based on Marvel’s cult comics, ‘Demolition Man’ alongside Sylvester Stallone, ‘Money Train’ with Jennifer Lopez and the thriller ‘Murder in the White House’, Wesley Snipes was one of the biggest action stars from the 1990s and early 2000s. He was subsequently convicted by the US authorities for large-scale tax fraud and in 2011 he ended up in prison.
In addition to ‘The Expendables 3’, the sci-fi and horror actor ‘Armed Response – Invisible Enemy’ was one of the first films that Snipes was able to make after this dark period for him. It’s quite a pickle, though, as we’ll explain later in this article. If you do – maybe because of an old connection with the actor? – if you still want to take a risk or at least take a look, you have the option in the evening.
“Armed response“ runs today, January 11, 2024 at 10:35 PM on Tele 5. There will be a repeat on the night of January 13 to 14 at 12:20 PM. Alternatively, you can watch the FSK 16 title for free in the channel’s media library for a month after the first TV broadcast. It is also available as Blu-ray, DVD or paid video on demand:
“Turistas” director John Stockwell was responsible for staging the thriller, which was released directly to home theaters in the U.S. and here. In addition to Snipes, Anne Heche (“Wag The Dog”), who died in 2022, Dave Annable from the hit series “Brothers & Sisters” and WWE wrestler Seth Rollins were in front of the camera. Rollins recently wrapped his as-yet-untitled role in the Marvel blockbuster “Captain America 4: Brave New World,” which is set to hit theaters in February 2025.
Rock star Gene Simmons, bassist and one of the two frontmen of hard rock giants Kiss, also appears in a smaller supporting role in ‘Armed Response’. Simmons also served as one of the project’s producers along with Snipes.
“Armed response” on Tele 5: that’s the story
Programmer Gabriel (Annable) has developed a computer system for the American army that makes it possible to extremely accurately check the truth of the statements of interrogated persons using an analysis of facial expressions and gestures. However, since the accidental death of his daughter, he now leads a completely secluded life and enjoys alcohol.
One day he receives an unannounced visit from Isaac (Snipes), who leads a special unit. He convinces Gabriel to enter a secret military facility with him and his troops (including Heche and Rollins). This serves as a high security wing for terrorists with Gabriel’s lie detection program in use.
Several soldiers recently disappeared without a trace in the building complex and they must find the missing persons. But as soon as they arrived, the unit discovered that their comrades were all dead. Then Isaac & Co. realize. that they are locked up and there seems to be no way to escape. A little later they have to fight for their lives. Against whom or what? This needs to be discovered as soon as possible…
A lame shot in the oven
In the FILMSTARTS review, Asokan Nirmalarajah only gave it a disappointing 1.5 stars. Our author concludes his review with this conclusion: Later in his review he notes that Wesley Snipes completely lacks his usual charisma here.
We at FILMSTARTS are not alone in this assessment. Just take a look Rotten tomatoes, the aggregator for reviews from the English-speaking world. “Armed Response” is up there with a devastating zero percent (!) of positive reviews – one criticism follows another.
If you are old Snipes fans, spare yourself this nonsense. If you want to see a good, newer mime title, check out Dolemite Is My Name on Netflix. In tragicomedy there are also no explosions and no blood splatters. But the good Wesley plays a fine supporting role next to Eddie Murphy.
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