To his credit, Travolta hams it up with the kind of laissez-faire irony that might have made the film a tongue-in-cheek pleasure, had his attitude extended to the filmmakers.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
Arizona Republic by Bill Goodykoontz
Doesn't really know what it wants to be. Morel would have done better to remember the "to thine own self be true" bit, and stayed with the dunderheaded shoot-'em-up vibe, with Travolta having a blast, often literally.
New York Magazine (Vulture) by David Edelstein
Morel will inevitably be compared to John Woo, whom he trounces. He has fewer mannerisms (no damn doves) and a keener eye; his fastest, most kinetic shots flow together like frames in a flipbook.
John Travolta breaks the braggadocio meter in the latest tightly wound actioner from "Taken’s" Pierre Morel.
The Hollywood Reporter by Michael Rechtshaffen
Travolta has/is a blast in an action-thriller-comedy that otherwise comes up short.
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
A ''fun trash'' movie that's more trash than fun.
Boxoffice Magazine by Pete Hammond
If so inclined for a breezy, violent time-waster audiences could do worse. Travolta sadly can do so much better.
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
I hasten to say this is not criticism of John Travolta. He succeeds in this movie by essentially acting in a movie of his own.
Orlando Sentinel by Roger Moore
Basically a bloody buddy picture that tries too hard.