Edge-of-your seat thrills, a hero to care about, suspenseful storytelling and an intriguing villain – all in one action movie? That’s right. After a fun start in pictures with The Marine, wrestler turned actor John Cena proves his worth yet again in 12 Rounds.

A normal day in the life of Detective Danny Fisher (Cena) becomes more complicated as he must face a series of tests from international arms dealer Miles Jackson (Aidan Gillen). Recently broken out of prison, Jackson wants revenge for the death of his girlfriend Erica (Taylor Cole). He instructs Fisher to complete twelve tasks, each one more dangerous than the last. If Fisher succeeds by the end of the twelfth round, he can have his girlfriend Molly (Ashley Scott) back -- or so he is led to believe.

Directed by Renny Harlin, 12 Rounds defies predictability. As Cena goes about each task, lives are lost and his character has to face the fact that he did all he could to save the day. The title poses an analogy with the sport of boxing. Each challenge feels like an intense, dramatic experience both for Cena and the audience. Without compromising its integrity or insulting the viewer’s intelligence, the film stays riveting through every suspenseful beat. 

This is arguably the best action thriller made since Speed (1994). It surpasses Harlin’s other extravaganza The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996). The concept goes against the tired-out excuse for needless visual splendour that has become standard working practice in this genre. With that proviso, 12 Rounds succeeds on a number of levels, both emotionally and aesthetically. 

Brian Berdan (The Mothman Prophecies) proves himself to be the unsung hero of the film. His consistency with pacing distinguishes him from all other action editors. Please note his name for future reference. He may be one of the finest artists in Hollywood.

When he’s not acting, Cena can be seen throwing other wrestlers over the top rope. Perhaps better known for his trademark quips and awesome strength as an athlete, he stretches himself in the finest blockbuster of the year.

(Released by Fox Atomic and rated "PG-13" for intense sequences of violence and action.)