Bloodshot

Despite its title, the cinematic adaptation of the superhero comic Bloodshot is surprisingly low on actual blood.

Most of the killings are shot at odd angles, or masked by the strategic use of silhouettes or shadows, conveying a watered-down feel that clashes with the brooding intensity of this science-fiction thriller about a reincarnated ex-Marine cyborg hellbent on revenge.

The globetrotting origin story opens in Europe, where Ray (Vin Diesel) is being held hostage by a criminal (Toby Kebbell) with ties to a terrorist group that Ray once tried to take down. Then he tortures and kills Ray’s wife (Talulah Riley) right before his eyes.

“I swear I will find you and end you,” he barks in a prime example of the perfunctory dialogue that pervades the formulaic screenplay by Jeff Wadlow (Fantasy Island) and Eric Heisserer (Arrival).

That’s before Ray himself is executed, and then brought back to life by a scientist (Guy Pearce) who claims the best of intentions but has ulterior motives. Ray now has superhuman strength and near-invincibility, yet his memory of the tragedy remains fuzzy.

As he tries to figure things out, moviegoers are unlikely to care what he finds. The final act bogs down in a series of incoherent twists, funneling into an elaborate finale that’s at least eye-catching, even if it doesn’t make much sense.

The feature directorial debut of video-game effects veteran Dave Wilson features some stylish visual flourishes undercut by chaotic action sequences and an overreliance on slow motion. It does benefit from scenery in exotic locales, emphasized by its aggressive use of overhead drone shots.

As jacked as ever, Diesel fills the physical requirements for the role, which is probably most important. He recites most of his dialogue in the sort of monotonous growl that would give even Sylvester Stallone pause.

Despite a convoluted attempt to explain itself, the film’s sci-fi element is more fiction than science, as Ray seems to gain powers and regain his memories arbitrarily. Such a concept traverses much of the same territory as Universal Soldier and RoboCop, among others.

Although Bloodshot contains some scattered high-octane thrills and impressive special effects for genre aficionados, this is an overall lackluster attempt to introduce the character to a wider audience. As such, a franchise isn’t bloody likely.

Rated PG-13, 109 minutes.