The Wall a war thriller that takes its entire place with an American soldier trapped behind a wall as a sniper has him pinned down. I felt like this war thriller was going to be better than another similar film like Mine with Armie Hammer as he was stuck in the middle of the desert after stepping on a mine. The Wall is no better, it is boring, the script did not develop the characters, and it was dull with its thrills and suspense.
The plot is simple. U.S. Army Allen (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Shane (John Cena) are at pipeline construction site in Iraq. Sent there to make sure it is clear from the enemies. Only to get pinned down themselves by a sniper nearby.
The script should have gone further and gave a proper development with the characters. The dialogue between Allen and the mystery sniper talking about philosophies, the irony, and the meanings behind poets. Basically, the meaning of what is the purpose for Allen and his partner being in Iraq? Even with the war being over. Why are they still there? With Allen making a few tours and in the final brinks of survival is begging to go home. But where is home exactly? As the sniper questions him, that in every chance Allen gets, he is back in the battlefield, serving another tour. The dialogue between these characters could have been more. Except it leaves the characters like Allen feeling a bit one dimensional.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a decent actor. He has come along way with his performances from Nocturnal Animals, Kick-Ass, Avengers, and Godzilla. His performance in the film did feel over the top. John Cena was decent and had a small brief moment.
The film does lack thrills and suspense. Seeing Allen being taunted by the sniper through the radio. As Allen is hiding on the other side of the wall. And the whole hour and a half spends most of the time with Allen trying to pinpoint the snipers location and his life being on the line. The twist in the end was anticlimactic without giving much away.
Overall, The Wall is a dull war thriller that is boring, lacks in character development, and there was no suspense or thrills to even make this worth watching.
I rate it 2 out of 5 stars.
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