Unprecedented Movie Disaster: Uncover the Epic 0% Record on Rotten Tomatoes
Ballistic: Ecks vs Sever, starring Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu, disappoints with a lack of depth and originality, resulting in a hollow and unimpressive cinematic experience
Unfortunately, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002), featuring a combination of Zorro and a Charlie's Angel, falls into the category of one of the worst action films ever made with little to defend itself. Directed by Wych Kaosayananda (who coincidentally goes by the name 'Kaos'), this movie marks his Hollywood debut. Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu take on the lead roles, supposedly on opposite sides of a conspiracy.
Despite an extravagant $70 million budget, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is infamous for its abysmal quality, managing to gross only $20.2 million. Audiences and film critics alike have criticized it harshly, with 119 recorded critical reviews resulting in a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some movies may develop a cult following over time, this film does not fall into that category. In simple terms, it is just plain bad.
What Is Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever About?
The film begins with the abduction of Michael Gant, the son of Robert Gant who is the director of the DIA. The kidnapper is Sever, a rogue agent known for her lack of fear, conscience, and morality. Although the reason for her resentment towards Gant is unclear, it is suggested that he may be responsible for the death of her own child. Gant assigns his top agents, led by A. J. Ross, to rescue Michael. Later, it is revealed that Gant had injected a microscopic assassination device called 'Softkill' into his son's bloodstream, intending to smuggle it into the United States. This weapon can remain latent within the victim until activated, causing a heart attack without leaving any evidence.
Jeremiah Ecks is introduced as a retired FBI agent who now spends his time smoking and drinking in a run-down bar. Seven years earlier, Ecks' wife, Vinn, was killed in a car bombing. Julio Martin, Ecks' former boss, claims that Vinn is actually alive and offers to provide information if Ecks agrees to track down Sever.
Following a prolonged action sequence in Vancouver, Sever successfully attacks the enemy forces and evades Ecks. Shortly after, Ecks is wrongly arrested for shooting at Martin. While being transported to prison, Sever discovers the truth and liberates Ecks, providing him with his wife's address. Upon arriving there, Ecks finds Vinn heading towards an aquarium where they finally reunite. The shocking revelation unfolds that Gant orchestrated their supposed deaths by rigging their cars to explode, allowing them to witness each other's demise. Moreover, Vinn ended up marrying Gant and gave birth to Michael, who unbeknownst to her is Ecks' child.
Sever guides them to an abandoned train yard where Michael is held captive. Gant arrives accompanied by Ross and a team of heavily-armed agents, leading to a fierce battle. Both Ecks and Sever triumph over their adversaries, and Sever shoots Gant using a bullet loaded with a Softkill substance which she had earlier retrieved from Michael. After eliminating Gant, Sever manages to escape when the police arrive. The film concludes with Ecks expressing gratitude to Sever as they gaze out at the sea.
Is Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever Based on a Video Game?
There are two adaptations of the film, both of which are first-person shooter video games for the Game Boy Advance. The first game, Ecks vs. Sever, was based on an early version of the film that had not yet gone into production. This was made possible through an agreement between Franchise Pictures and Bam! Entertainment, allowing the game publisher to create games based on any of the company's scripts. Crawfish Interactive developed Ecks vs. Sever, which was released in 2001 before the film. It was believed that the game was strong enough to stand on its own.
The second game, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever, closely followed the film's storyline and was released just one week after the movie's premiere. Both games received predominantly positive reviews, unlike the film.
Why Is Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever So Hated?
The Matrix (1999) revolutionized the action genre and had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever falls short in trying to replicate the success of the critically acclaimed film, despite being produced by Warner Bros. It shamelessly attempts to copy The Matrix's stylistic elements, such as martial arts, a wide array of firearms, and characters dressed in overcoats and black bodysuits. However, the music in Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever, composed by Don Davis who also worked on The Matrix, feels out of place and fails to effectively convey the characters' emotions or the movie's themes.
Another aspect that the director overlooks is The Matrix's clever usage of slow motion, which is balanced with fast-paced action. As a result, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever suffers from poorly edited and uninspiring scenes featuring car crashes, constant gunfire, explosions, and obligatory motorcycle chases. These scenes are further hindered by an incomprehensible plot, making it challenging to remember which characters are aligned with whom and the motivations behind their actions.
The film lacks genuine emotion despite its focus on revenge, lost loves, and bereaved mothers. Liu's portrayal of the silent and stoic character falls short, while Banderas appears disgruntled with his involvement in the project. Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever desperately relies on clichés and ultimately becomes completely nonsensical. For example, it is unclear why Ecks never investigates his wife's death or why Gant would fake Vinn's murder if he planned to kill Ecks. Furthermore, the title of the film, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever, is misleading as the two characters actually end up working together against a common enemy.
