Vô Hạn - Infinite (2021)

Antoine Fuqua's Infinite emerges as an ambitious yet sprawling endeavor that struggles to fully capitalize on its intriguing premise. The film attempts to fuse the concept of reincarnation with high-octane sci-fi action, yet often falters in its world-building and character development.

Mark Wahlberg delivers a performance consistent with his energetic, action-hero persona as Evan McCauley, but his presence alone can't entirely compensate for a screenplay lacking psychological depth. The most compelling aspect is arguably Chiwetel Ejiofor's portrayal of Bathurst, a charismatic and formidable antagonist whose motivations, however, occasionally verge on the nebulous. Sophie Cookson's supporting role adds balance.

From a cinematic technique perspective, Fuqua maintains his signature flair for visceral, fast-paced action sequences that are largely engaging, a hallmark of the intense action genre. Nevertheless, an over-reliance on CGI occasionally detracts from the film's grounding. The profound themes of memory, identity, and destiny across lifetimes are introduced but seldom explored with sufficient gravitas, relegating the film primarily to the realm of pure entertainment rather than thoughtful introspection. Infinite can be viewed as a spiritual successor or a reinterpretation of tropes seen in The Matrix or Assassin's Creed, yet it lacks the groundbreaking conceptualization or stylistic innovation to truly stand out within the expansive sci-fi action genre.