Bloodshot, which is based on a Valiant comic book of the same name, centers around Ray Garrison (Vin Diesel). Garrison is a deceased soldier whose body is donated to—or stolen for the purposes of—science. He is then augmented—infused with nanite technology that can heal him of injuries and empower him beyond natural limits.
Dr. Emil Harding (Guy Pearce), who saved him and equipped him with this hardware, is using Garrison, or Bloodshot, as an ends to a means. And as the trailer alludes to a little too heavily, Harding may not be all that trustworthy.
The conceit, though not entirely unique, is a fun one. Garrison is a weapon, and the best parts of the movie are when we get to see that weapon being deployed. And similar to most Diesel vehicles, Bloodshot is also a platform for his unique, gravelly, and brooding onscreen presence.
Bloodshot never attempts to reinvent the wheel. In a crowded landscape of superheroes, that could be construed as a negative. Yet it does give us a hefty amount of its titular character kicking ass and taking names; it does so through innovative action set pieces that provide more than enough bang for the buck.
Unfortunately, its premiere was a dud; and like the fate of many other films over the course of the next few months, it was a victim of a circumstance beyond its control. The COVID-19 pandemic limited its theatrical run to just that opening weekend and a couple days thereafter. Though it wasn't tracking well to begin with and grossed just over $29 million worldwide in that frame, its still a bummer for all of those involved. Soft opening or not, a film's main source of revenue comes from its theatrical receipts.
With a budget somewhere in the $40-45 million range, it's not out of the realm of possibility that this movie could've broken even at some point, maybe even earning it a sequel. Its proceeds are only one casualty of its box office stumbles. Any aspirations there may have been for a small scale Valiant universe of films are probably terminated, as well. If one of their most popular characters can't generate interest, why would others?
In any event, at least we got this one; and it is big, brash, dumb fun. So sit back, fill a frosted mug with a Brew Free or Die Blood Orange IPA from 21st Amendment Brewery, and reminisce about some fond memories—preferably ones that don't incite your thirst for revenge! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are getting some much needed upgrades to take down smarmy Guy Pearce's cabal of augmented super soldiers!
This Week’s Segments:
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Santa's Slay – Grandpa Got Run Over by a Hell Deer
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Bullet to the Head – Brawn, Booze, and Bullets
Judge Dredd – We are the Law
Stop! Or My Mom will Shoot – Literally, Please Stop
Over the Top – It's Like a Switch
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The Mist – Took John Lee!
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