DVD Reviews

DVD Review: The Condemned

By Jeff Swindoll Sep 17, 2007, 16:48 GMT

The Condemned is a parable about how violence is bad and shouldn’t be watched, but shows us that by letting us watch a lot of violence. It makes my head hurt trying to figure that one out.

A wacked-out multi-millionaire Ian Breckel (Robert Mammone) has set up an island with all sorts of television cameras. His plan is to take ten handpicked “contestants” from death rows all across the planet, put them on the island, and let them fight to the death with the last person standing winning their freedom.

Each of the “contestants” have been chosen because of their being sentenced to death but also chosen because they would represent certain demographics. This entrepreneur of death has set up a website that allows you to watch the carnage for $49.95 charged to your credit card. While scouting for a Muslim participant in a Nicaraguan prison, the participant is thrown several of the other prisoners to challenge for the cameras. Jack (Steve Austin) is thrown into the ring but seems to not want to fight the guy, but when they force him he just kills the Muslim guy quickly and asks if he can go back to his cell now. Luckily for Ian, Jack is also on death row and he’s impressed with his skill enough to give him a spot on the island. When Jack gets to the staging area, he and the psychotic Ewan (Vinnie Jones) don’t exactly become fast friends. Unknown to Ian, Jack has a secret from his past that threatens to expose Ian’s secret location as there are some government people looking to find Jack.Mad director Eli Cross (aka Peter O’Toole) tried to make an anti-war war film and Robur (aka Vincent Price) tried to conqueror war by waging war on it. Now director Scott Wiper tries to make a film about the wickedness of our obsession with violence by making a film chock full of violence. Just doesn’t seem right does it? WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Films produces this film as a vehicle for Steve “Stone Cold” Austin, who puts on his best Clint Eastwood growl. Actually, I thought that he was pretty good as compared to the other WWE wrestler vehicle that I watched (See No Evil starring Kane). The film plays like a version of Survivor (literal survivor that is) mixed with the Running Man. What’s funny is that the movie seems to be indicting those that would watch it since there’s a bit about over-the-top violence being the bane of society. So if you’re watching you shouldn’t be. If it weren’t for that seemingly hypocritical undercurrent then it might be a pretty good action flick, but you’re supposed to feel dirty after watching it I guess. The Condemned is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and enhanced for 16x9 televisions. A fullscreen version is available separately. Special features:
Five-Part Featurette - The Making of The Condemned
Audio Commentary with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Director Scott Wiper
Audio Commentary with Director Scott Wiper
Stone Cold at Movie World - Exclusive Footage
Capital Carnage Reunion - A Look Back at the First Meeting of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vinnie Jones in 1998
Storyboard Sequences
Theatrical Trailer

Steve Austin comes off a little better than his wrestling brethren in this film, but since we’re supposed to be engaging in watching such violence I guess we’re not supposed to be watching him. Whatever. The film is a little derivative of other films, but I thought that it was an okay actioner.The Condemned is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.