Xeque Mate

Not to be taken seriously, its just grounded enough in the espionage genre to maintain engagement throughout all the ridiculosity. Appropriate soundtracking ends with Kool & the Gang's party classic Celebrate, reveled in at a bar mitzvah in Tel Aviv. An unusual combination of intrigue and slapstick makes it watchable in spite of the awkward multi-language patois being spoken, dubbed and subtitled in a convoluted manner that actually goes with the zany characterizations and circumstances. All in all, with respectable cinematography, adequate effects, tongue-in-cheek humor and plenty of action this flick winds up being likeable.

No pun intended - obviously referring to one of the best known songs by Kool and the Gang (not the only one they are know for of course). That said the movie is I reckon ok or decent - but you really have to suspend your disbelief. This may or may not work for you - it is not a great movie either way.

The actors do their best to convey the story. Not sure if you are fed up with kidnapping stories - but the action has to be warranted somehow. There have been worse reasons to go after people then trying to rescue a loved one. The action itself is well done overall, though nothing special - I think I do reflect that with my voting too. I've seen worse movies, but I have seen way better ones too ... if you have the time and that floats your boat ... go for it.