Director: Daniel Benmayor
Starring: Taylor Lautner, Marie Avgeropoulos, Rafi Gavron, Sam Medina, Adam Rayner
(Free) Running Time: 94 Minutes
Certificate: 12
Taylor Lautner has picked up a bad rep after the Twilight saga and whether this is down to the films he’s choosing or his acting ability seems something akin to bullying in the industry and Tracers, although not ground-breaking, really shows off his stunt skills and the gritty nature of the New York streets suit his persona.
The one thing that doesn’t do him, or anyone involved, any favours is the basic script that’s full of clichés and doesn’t bring enough life to the characters. Saying this, there’s a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming that means there are definite moments of excitement and consequence. Daniel Benmayor’s direction gets interesting when you’re riding or running along with the action but there are too many inconsequential cut scenes of the New York cityscape that doesn’t add anything to the story.
Tracers set-up is simple, Lautner plays Cam, a NYC bike messenger who’s trying to raise money to live but, more importantly, also to pay back the Chinese mafia after he’s taken out a ‘street loan’ from them. There’s a reason for his desperation that’s connected to his past and although it’s only explored a little bit, it is revealed and his actions make sense. The change in his day-to-day life comes when free runner Nikki (Marie Avgeropoulos – the other stand-out star here), knocks him off his bike accidentally and thus their relationship begins. She’s involved with a gang who, let’s say, find ways to make money by using their Parkour skills to get in and out of places quietly.
The target audience is the teens and the huge selling point is the Parkour, which in its free flow creates exciting, action-packed sequences that pay homage to the likes of Luc Besson’s Banlieue 13 in celebrating this unique street skill. Lautner is the real action hero when it comes to doing his own stunts and whereas initially you see him trying to learn, it’s clear as the film progresses that he’s hugely confident and competent in the art of freerunning and in Tracers best moments, it’s high-octane and trying to find real heart.
Overall, I enjoyed the action elements more than the slower, predictable scripting and I’m always one for focusing on the positive. This is no masterpiece with obvious plot holes and strange connections but it all builds up to an unexpectedly satisfying conclusion that’s logical and doesn’t try to wrap everything up too perfectly. There’s no doubt that some critics will find this easy fodder to try and break apart but if it’s your first-look at Parkour with some genuine intense moments of excitement, then I’ve definitely seen a lot, lot worse.
Tracers is available to pre-order on DVD, it’s released on 21st September in the UK.
