12 Rounds of Reviews for John Cena

John Cena's second WWE film "12 Rounds" was officially released this past Friday in theaters nationwide. WWE fans are very familiar with the movie by now, from the barrage of previews, behind the scenes documentaries and advertisements shown during each of the WWE shows. Ironically, there were previews shown during WWE's competitor, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestling as well. Now that the movie's been released, it's officially time for the critics to have at the film, and its sophomore WWE action star, John Cena. There's unfortunately plenty reviews bashing Cena's new film, or his lack of acting skills. What the critics always seem to ignore is the fact not many action films are nominated for Oscars, nor are the actors in them nominated. It may be just the way these fast-paced entertainment flicks are geared towards certain audiences that are there for the enjoyment factor, and that causes a lack of compassion from film critics and award panels. Rare exceptions of standout action performers include Tommy Lee Jones in "The Fugitive" and Heath Ledger as the Joker in "The Dark Knight", both of whom received awards for their respective work in action flicks. Cena still has time to get to that level.

12 Rounds Reviews are all over the internet now, and here you'll find a collection of 12 of them. There's reviews from all over, including Cena's homestate and the state of New Orleans where the film was shot...

1) Detroit Free Press' review by Roger Moore (not the guy who played James Bond), states "If anybody could shoot and cut an action film to hide wrestler John Cena's lack of training as an actor, it's the director who made Stallone look like a mountain climber in "Cliffhanger." " Moore goes on to discuss his thoughts on the choice of villain for the movie as well as the overall plot and level of action.

2) The Hollywood Reporter is equally unkind to Cena in its review, going as far as to say "Bottom Line: Wrestling star John Cena is the dead weight that drags down this brainless but energetic action picture." Read their full review here.

3) How about some love from John Cena's home city? The Boston Herald's Stephen Schaefer writes "While he may rival Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in biceps, he still seems tamped down. Only on the few occasions when he smiles and lets those dimples show does Cena promise he might project the kind of personality necessary for a first-rate action star.". Read the full Boston Herald review here.

4) Boston Globe was kind enough to compliment John Cena on his acting skills, as a WWE wrestler that is. Read Boston Globe's 12 Rounds Review.

5) Luckily there were some positive reviews. New Straits Times had a favorable review here which states "Special effects, which can sometimes overshadow the script, are kept to a minimum with greater emphasis on the non-stop action and dialogue". Ironically they say the villain steals the show, while other reviews feel that maybe a WWE wrestler would have made for a better villain.

6) TwinCities.com's review states the movie is fake (no kidding) but is still fun. Read their full review here.

More 12 Rounds Movie Reviews:

7) John Cena's '12 Rounds' is standard action fare with New Orleans flair at The Times-Picayune, New Orleans

8) MLive.com's "Plot of '12 Rounds' shot after first round"

9) John Cena Flick 12 Rounds Aims Low, Hits Target

10) 12 Rounds: At least it didn't go on for a 13th round

11) Movie review: '12 Rounds' isn't a knockout but it packs a punch - EnterpriseNews.com

12) 12 Rounds Review at IGN.com

BONUS: Check out WWE.com's 12 Moments that elevated WWE Superstar John Cena to greatness!

Purchase The Marine starring John Cena at Amazon.com!


Did you get to check out 12 Rounds on its opening day, or are you planning to go see it in the near future? If you've seen the film, feel free to leave your comments about it below!