Arts & Entertainment

Movie Review: Critics Blast Set-in-Space Flick 'Lockout'

A New York Times review says the film is "as dopey an entertainment as imaginable".

Lockout" opens today at  in Bethlehem, and local movie lovers can see the film in an enhanced theater experience. 

The film is playing on a special screen that offers a brighter 3D experience as viewers enjoy leather seats and additional upgrades in sound and overall visual experience.

 to view showtimes for "Lockout" at  in Bethlehem. 

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The premise

A former secret agent wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the United States is offered freedom in exchange for rescuing the president's daughter from a maximum-security, outer-space prison taken over by violent inmates in this futuristic action-drama. 

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What critics are saying

Mamohla Dargis, writing for The New York Times, says "Lockout" is "as dopey an entertainment as imaginable" but gives the film's star, Guy Pearce, props for both his "screen magnetism" and his muscle. The plot, however, is John Carpenter’s "Escape From New York" with the addition of digital effects and more tattoos.

Los Angeles Times film critic Betsy Sharkey writes that the filmmakers' use of special effects and action gives "Lockout" a good deal of visual punch but the film is "pretty weightless". 

The film is "clunky, prefabricated and devoid of any sort of tension," film critic Marshall Fines writes. He calls the "Lockout" "a snooze". 

Critic Scott Mendelson, writing for Moviefone, says that while the film is cheesy and the action lacking, "Lockout" is "a refreshingly laid-back throwback to a pulpier and less pretentious type of action picture". 

Barrow Patch wants your movie reviews! Come back and tell us in comments what you thought about "Lockout" and how many stars out of five you would give the film.

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