Many people may think that pro wrestlers would have little problem crossing over into making movies since most of what they do in pro wrestling is based on acting. The truth is this though is more often wrong than right. The most successful wrestler turned actor is Dwayne Johnson, formerly known as "The Rock" in his wrestling days, but even his star is starting to loose some of its shine. However, for every triumph, there are more failures like Hulk Hogan and most recently John Cena. Does anyone remember Hulk Hogan wearing a tutu in Mr. Nanny? Or Hulk playing an interstellar hero named Shep Ramsey in Suburban Commando? Ouch! I'm sure Hogan hopes no one has memories of these horrible movies. Even though John Cena has made only 2 movies, both have been regarded as huge flops by the critics. The newest wrestler to throw his hat into the acting ring is Ted DiBiase Jr. DiBiase comes from a pro wrestling family. His grandfather and father were both wrestlers and Ted has 2 brothers that are also wrestlers. The lead role in The Marine 2 was suppose to go to fellow wrestler Randy Orton, a retired marine, but because of injury he had to back out which opened the door for DiBiase to step in and take the part. While on vacation on a remote island in the South Pacific, Marine sniper Joe Linwood (DiBiase) tags along with his wife Robin (Lara Cox) as she prepares to help a brand-new five-star resort open up. The resort is the dream come true for arrogant billionaire Darren Conner (Robert Coleby, The Marine). While an elaborate grand opening party is taking place, all of the sudden the resort is attacked by an army of native rebels led by Damo (Temuera Morrison, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones). Damo and his rag-tag army are fed up with the corrupt influence Western society has had on their island. They are demanding a large "tribute" be payed to them or else they'll start killing the hostages, which include Robin. While the local army stands around doing nothing and after a failed rescue attempt by a band of mercenaries, Joe turns to former Army ranger, now snorkel guide Church (Michael Rooker, Cliffhanger) for help. When Church tells Joe, "Not everyone can be a hero", this Marine decides to go Rambo and save Robin plus all the hostages by himself. The story written by newcomers Christopher Borrelli and John Chapin Morgan may seem far-fetched, but certain elements were actually inspired by true events. In the Philippines in 2001 and in India in 2008, five-star hotels were attacked by sea at night and guests were taken hostage plus explosives were planted or detonated at specific spots. The Marine 2 may be Ted DiBiase's debut as an actor, but with the help of award-winning Dutch director Roel Reine, he holds his own on screen with the more experienced cast. However, his future still seems brighter in the ring than it does on the screen. The best performance comes from Robert Coleby as a snivelling billionaire pleading for his life. If any hostage ends up taking one in the head, you hope its this pathetic rich guy. It would have been nice to see Michael Rooker with a larger role. He is a fine actor with experience and skill that would have benefited this movie if there was more of him. Where Reine is successful with DiBiase, he fails with Temuera Morrison. As far as a lead villain goes, Morrison is a pretty lame one. Damo doesn't seem that evil, therefore, we don't care if he gets it or if he escapes. Borrelli and Morgan try and catch us off guard with a few plot twists that are not that surprising. They should have cut those scenes out and given the extra time to Michael Rooker.  The cinematography work done by Joost Van Starrenburg was fantastic. The aerial shots and the sweeping motion of the camera wonderfully captured the beauty of Thailand, where the movie was filmed. The Marine 2 follows the basic design of all of the movies produced by the WWE so far, lots and lots of action. If this is what you're in the mood for, this sequel is a good choice. However, if you want something that is more of a cinematic reward, then I would keep on walking right past this one. The Marine 2 is now available on DVD. Click on the movie screen below to view its trailer.

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