Babylon A.D. (2008) opens with the deep steely voice of actor Vin Diesel serving as the narrator for the opening scene.  The movie begins with Hugo Cornelius Toorop (Vin Diesel) walking in his military rain coat getting his money back from a man who sold him a flawed gun.  After aggressively retrieving his money he moves and decides to purchase a fresh rabbit from a street vender for dinner.  Toorop slices and dices seasons and cooks his fresh meat and just when he sits to dine, his front door to his apartment is blown off its hinges.  Karl (Radek Bruna) and a group of gun totting mercenaries interrupt his meal and demands that he comes with them.  Toorop is quick taking Karl’s weapon immediately disarming him and then shooting him.  Toorop then agrees to go with the mercenaries.  They take him to meet Gorsky (Gérard Depardieu) a man he worked for 10 years ago.  Gorsky tells Toorop exchange pleasantries as Gorsky tells Toorop the job he wants him to do.  Gorsky wants him to smuggle a girl to America.    


After their meeting a car is sent to pick up Toorop via military helicopter.  While sitting in the back seat of the car Toorop is flown and deposited at the Noelite Convent in Mongolia.  He is greeted by the feisty elder nun Sister Rebeka (Michelle Yeoh) who explains she will accompany them on their trip.  Toorop states he was under the impression that he was transporting one person however Sister Rebeka sets him straight as she is the one who will accompany Aurora (Melanie Thierry).  After Toorop’s rough introduction to Aurora the three get in the car and head for the train station.  As they approach the station and walk through the market Aurora becomes frightened and warns Toorop and Sister Rebeka to walk in another direction.  Toorop demands that Aurora follow him and runs to retrieve her as things suddenly explode. 


This futuristic sci-fi plot revolves around a nail spitting soldier turn mercenary for hire transporting a girl and nun from a covenant in Central Asia to America. However things are not that simple with a scientist Dr. Arthur Darquandier and the Noelite High Priestess and CEO of the Noelite Church interested in Aurora.  What seemed like a minor border crossing issue has turns into a real battle with monumental outcomes.  Some interesting events unfold as this film rushes to its climatic close as all things are not created equal.  The shoot outs chase action and hint of romance offers some suspense as Toorop, Sister Rebecca and Aurora are under siege.


Babylon A.D. delivers as its momentum builds despite its all-to-familiar motif.  The special effects and camera work are nice as Director Mathieu Kassovitz take his time to get from point A to B.   Theatrical performances are reserved however Vin Diesel and Melanie Thierry look good on screen together.  A nod should be given to actress Charlotte Rampling for her iniquitous role and first-class performance.    Surprisingly Kassovitz squeaks through with a PG-13 rating despite a lead character that cranks out expletives like their going out of style backed with action violence, gratuitous gunplay, and bland sexuality.  While editing sequences and the weak script are noticeable, it pacing and 90 minute run time keeps things moderately appealing.  Bottom line, this film brings to mind Blade Runner (1982) and The Fifth Element (1998) yet takes it to the next level.  If you like sci-fi action, you’ll revel in following the lead characters exploits. 


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older