Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
New Director Daniel Benmayor takes on a rather challenging task in his Parkour-Bike Messenger Movie, Tracers. For those unaware, Parkour is a form of military obstacle course training where the human body and surroundings are used for propulsion, focusing on safety. The Movie takes little time to get started, but the Story is engaging and interesting enough with a Plot twist that no one sees coming, breaking clear of the formulaic.
The Story starts off with Cam (Taylor Lautner) as we discover he owes the Chinese Mafia $15,000 from a loan he took out earlier for personal reasons. He is struggling to make ends meet with his job as a Bike Courier in New York City, as he has to pay rent to his Landlord/Friend, as well as repaying the Mafia before they get to him. This is where accidentally he runs into the beautiful Nikki (Marie Avgeropoulous) and realizes there is something more to this mysterious Stranger. During their encounter, Cam’s bike gets totaled because of their run-in, and Nikki feels responsible so drops-off a replacement for him at his work. Cam takes it upon himself to find Nikki and thank her for the gift, and this is where he starts to become intrigued with Parkour. During their early training session, he runs into Nikki’s friends and their Leader, Miller (Adam Rayner). When Cam decides enough is enough, he asks Nikki and Miller to join a Band of Parkour Robbers so he can finally settle his debts, however things aren’t as they appear and world of chaos emerges in one of their jobs.
Tracers is a ton more fun than anyone will give it credit for, but it serves as a well-executed, fun Film. The performances are standard fare, but the high never ends. There are even moments that catch the Audience off guard completely, with a surprise which will have everyone talking even though it was underutilized. You think you know Taylor Lautner, huh? Well, think again!
VVS Films release Tracers in theatres and on VOD Friday, March 20, 2015.
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