In the Blood

I'll be honest about this film, I am NOT a big action film fan nor do I like ultra-violent films. In the Blood is clearly BOTH of these— especially the latter. The amazing thing is that although the violence made me cringe, it was also a movie that kept me glued to the screen...and my adrenalin pumping!

The film stars Gina Carano and if you've never heard of Miss Carano, I wouldn't be surprised. She's only done a few films, though she is famous…as an MMA and Muay Thai fighter!! And, as you'd expect from a woman with such training, her skills are INSANELY good. Heck, she seems tougher and more capable than all the male action stars of the genre—and she makes it all look so real! By comparison, films by Van Damme and Steven Seagal look like kids' films!!! I also love Carano because although she is pretty, she's NOT the Hollywood type. She has real curves and looks like she's NOT the product of plastic surgery and bulimia!!

The film is set on some fictional Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation or, perhaps, they intend it to be the Dominican Republic (there are three Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean—and it's not Cuba and they said it wasn't Puerto Rico in the movie*)—they never say. Regardless, the place is corrupt…very, very, very corrupt. It's so corrupt that when an American tourist is kidnapped (or possibly killed), those responsible for it pay EVERYONE to pretend it never happened—even the cops! So, this leaves Ana (Carano) all alone in a hostile country where practically no one seems able or willing to help. The neat thing about the film is that it is wonderful at misdirection. It's a very smart film as again and again I was surprised by who was behind all this and why. And, how it all ends is simply impossible to anticipate**.

Overall, this is a super-high action film with an amazing heroine—one that doesn't stand around waiting to be saved by a man—and I love that. Carano plays the real thing—and action hero in every sense of the word— and a darn scary one!!

So do I recommend the film? Well, I don't know. Its violence level is off the charts and it's certainly NOT a film for the kids, your mother or Father Flannigan! Plus, even if you THINK you like action films, you might just find this one too intense, bloody and violent. Often, Ana kills—much like Sonny Chiba did in his Street Fighter films. But aside from the violence, it's an exceptional film all around. Heck, even NOW after the movie's been over for some time, my heart is STILL pounding… it's that intense and that well made.

*They said the film is NOT set in Puerto Rico and talked about how they can escape to the nearby island of Puerto Rico. But, in reality, the film was actually made in Puerto Rico. I don't know what this will do for tourism!

**If you SERIOUSLY anticipated all the twists, turns and surprises in this film, drop me a line. You are DEFINITELY psychic and I want to talk to you about the Florida Lottery.

When Ava (Gina Carano) meets Derek Grant (Cam Gigandet), they fall in love and marry with each other under the protest of his wealthy father Robert Grant (Treat Williams) that believes Ava is a gold digger. Ava had a tough childhood with her abusive father Casey (Stephen Lang) that trained her in martial arts and other fights. Ava and Derek travel to Caribe in honeymoon and soon they meet the local Manny (Ismael Cruz Cordova) that invites them to go to a fashion night club. The powerful gangster Big Biz (Danny Trejo) hits on Ava and Derek and she fight with his minions. On the next morning, Manny takes them to a tyrolean crossing but out of the blue, Derek has a problem with his gear and falls off in a valley, breaking his leg. Ava finds him and an ambulance takes Derek to a local clinic. Ava follows the ambulance in Manny´s motorcycle but crashes and loses the sight the ambulance. When she goes to the clinic, she does not find Derek. She goes to the police station and Chief Ramón Garza (Luis Guzmán) promises to help her. But soon Ava discovers that there is a conspiracy and decides to look for her beloved husband alone.

"In the Blood" Is a full of action film where the greatest attraction is Gina Carano. She proves to be an excellent action hero. The flawed story has many plot holes but is highly entertaining. The motives for the abduction and the accident of Derek Grant is messy and does not make sense. The beginning is promising but the conclusion is the weak part of the plot. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Sangue na Veia" ("Blood in the Vein")

Gina is one rare girl who manages to look cute and savage at the same time. And given the recent debacle she has managed to stay strong and true to her nature. And she really is one strong woman not like the airy heads who think they are strong just because some movie portrays them to be. Wishing her luck and looking forward to more of her movies.

This movie is worth watching for the simple reason that the protagonist is a "REAL" woman and its refreshing. not some toothpick bimbo who could never even do a sit up never mind handle an actual brawl. we need some Hollywood writers to really write a plot that fits this type of woman. Its time for a change. And whatever your thinking im not a chubby chaser even though the hero of this movie is in fantastic shape. My wife is 100 lbs and i think she would a agree Hollywood needs some new material! The acting is up to par and its a nice change for once. Stallone should include this chick in the next expendables. and maybe add Zhang Ziyi and

Kurt Russell. Simon

I'm a retired man that loves females in movies like the next guy. This movie stands out in my mind because the lead female isn't the typical bimbo 'eye candy' which are in many movies. She fights for justice no matter the odds. If you are like me and you are always rolling your eyes because the chick is completely useless and crying or pleading for mercy... when thugs try to move in on her and treat her like a cheap piece... she is their worst nightmare. It is hard to explain all the things she does because that would give the movie away, but suffice it to say if you wrong her, you will pay! If you want to see a movie where the female fights for justice... In the Blood... fills the bill.