Co-produced by Resident Evil husband-and-wife team Paul W.S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich, Protector is a straight-down-the-middle action thriller. Jovovich, in this “Liam Neeson style” popcorn flick, shows us that she also has a very particular set of skills, only these skills result in more violent fatalities.

Protector entertains us on one level and emotionally invests us on another, but never stops being a ridiculous ride. The pairing of such over-the-top action with a somber story about human trafficking occasionally feels tacky and exploitative, especially when the public is still learning more disturbing details about the Epstein files. However, Jovovich, as ex-soldier Nikki, is a compelling heroine and her tough demeanour hooks the crowd. Also carrying a great deal of PTSD, Nikki has passionate determination and integrity as she sets out to save her daughter from being another nameless victim, kidnapped for evil intentions. Nikki is a ferocious fighter as well, but this fact is usually bungled by an editing style that’s just as aggressive and unapologetic as her.

While a final reveal recalling Nikki’s past feels like an extra step that director Adrian Grünberg and screenwriter Bong-Seob Mun didn’t need to take, Protector still moves like a bullet and packs a punch for action buffs to enjoy.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie