films seen
10
average score
2.55*
nationality
UK - 62 years old
status
Alive and kicking
more info

Simon West is your man if you like things that go boom. His oeuvre is one hefty collection of action films. Not all are great and few of them are stand-out genre pieces, but if you're looking for decent action filler, West has you covered.

Movies


Skyfire

Tian ยท Huo
2019 / 97m - China
Action
3.5*/5.0*
Skyfire poster

West follows the money and ends up in China. Turns out that wasn't the worst decision, because with a hefty budget to his disposal he cranks out a pretty amusing disaster flick. The CG isn't perfect and there is some cheesy melodrama, but the action is riveting and the pacing is splendid. A pretty nice surprise.

When a Stranger Calls

2006 / 87m - USA
Horror, Thriller
3.5*/5.0*
When a Stranger Calls poster

Wild Card

2015 / 92m - USA
Action, Crime
3.0*/5.0*
Wild Card poster

The Mechanic

2011 / 93m - USA
Action, Thriller, Crime
3.0*/5.0*
The Mechanic poster

Con Air

1997 / 115m - USA
Action, Thriller
3.0*/5.0*
Con Air poster

Con Air is one of the quintessential action films of the 90s. It's one of those films that most people have seen at one time or another, present company included, though that was well before I became serious about film. I didn't expect too much from this revision, turns out it's actually a pretty decent watch.

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At least, when you're in the mood for some simple, over-the-top action antics. Con Air isn't to be taken serious, though that's hardly a big surprise with Nicolas Cage headlining the film. I would even go as far as to say it's exactly what makes this film bearable, a more serious approach would've sucked the fun right out of it.

Crazy characters, random explosions and a solid mix of action and thriller elements are the main ingredients here. The film's a bit long maybe, but West makes sure it never slows down too much. John Malkovich also deserves a bit of praise for his part as the bad guy, apart from that there's not much to say about Con Air. A decent action flick, nothing more, nothing less.


The General's Daughter

1999 / 116m - USA
Mystery, Thriller
2.5*/5.0*
The General's Daughter poster

Stratton

2017 / 95m - UK
Action, Thriller
2.0*/5.0*
Stratton poster

A truly standard action flick. You'd think Simon West would be capable of more by now, but the action scenes are tepid and fail to excite. The editing is bad, the continuity is a joke and the action choreography is dull. Don't expect too much from the actors either, but at least the pacing is decent and the film is short. Borderline acceptable filler.

Stolen

2012 / 96m - USA
Action, Thriller, Crime
2.0*/5.0*
Stolen poster

The Expendables 2

2012 / 103m - USA
Action, Thriller, Adventure
2.0*/5.0*
The Expendables 2 poster

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

2001 / 100m - USA
Action, Adventure
1.0*/5.0*
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider poster