Bloodshot Review: 3 Ups & 7 Downs

2. There ARE Some Genuinely Clever Ideas

As ridiculous and technically slipshod as Bloodshot frequently is, there are actually some occasionally smart ideas which suggest a far better film was possible.

This is particularly true in the film's second act, when it's revealed - as already spoiled in the trailers - that Ray's memories are being manipulated by Harting, who is using Ray as an assassin to kill undesirable people.

This adds an unexpected cerebral layer to the action, and even allows the film to amusingly pass commentary on the very nature of genre films themselves.

Though these clever moments are often undermined by the mind-numbing action and groan-worthy dialogue, they at least ensure Bloodshot has slightly more on its mind than you might otherwise expect.

Sadly, this only makes it feel that much more of a missed opportunity, that the screenwriters were onto something interesting, but allowed it to get swallowed up by generic sci-fi action formula.