Review: The Marine 6: Close Quarters (2018) 💥

Introduction
The Marine 6: Close Quarters (2018) is the sixth installment in the Marine franchise, known for its fast-paced, high-octane action and tough-as-nails protagonists. Directed by James Nunn, this film stars WWE wrestler and action star Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, reprising his role as Jake Carter, a former Marine turned security expert. This time, Jake finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where the stakes are high, and the action is relentless. The movie delivers a tight, action-packed story that doesn’t take itself too seriously but knows exactly what its audience expects: brutal combat, high-speed chases, and plenty of explosions.

Plot and Performances
The story of The Marine 6: Close Quarters revolves around Jake Carter and his new partner, Luke Trapper (Shawn Michaels), who are tasked with protecting a billionaire’s daughter, who is kidnapped by a ruthless gang. With the kidnapping orchestrated by an underground criminal network, Jake and Luke must fight their way through hostile territory, battling assassins and armed mercenaries in close-quarters combat, all while trying to save the girl and stop the criminal organization.

The plot is relatively straightforward and plays out in familiar action movie tropes—tough guys, a damsel in distress, and non-stop fighting. While the premise might not win any originality awards, it serves as a perfect backdrop for the action-heavy sequences the film is known for.

Mike “The Miz” Mizanin continues to shine in the role of Jake Carter, bringing his signature intensity and charisma to the character. He doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, but he does what is expected in the role—delivering punches, kicks, and one-liners with ease. Shawn Michaels, the legendary WWE Hall of Famer, also makes his presence felt, playing the grizzled and seasoned Luke Trapper. The two have good chemistry, and their partnership is one of the highlights of the film. Their banter and camaraderie provide some moments of levity amid the brutal action, though the film remains focused on the physicality of the characters rather than deep character development.

While the performances aren’t award-winning by any means, they suit the nature of the film, which doesn’t demand too much emotional depth. It’s all about the fight scenes and the action, which both actors deliver with gusto.

Action and Stunts
What The Marine 6: Close Quarters does best is delivering non-stop, brutal action. The film doesn’t shy away from violence, and the fight choreography is intense and well-executed. From hand-to-hand combat to shootouts, the movie takes full advantage of its close-quarters setting, ensuring that the stakes feel personal and immediate.

The fight scenes are sharp and well-paced, with The Miz showcasing his physicality in combat, making good use of his wrestling background. There’s no shortage of hard-hitting punches, body slams, and explosive showdowns. The final showdown is particularly satisfying, as the characters face off in tight spaces, forcing them to rely on skill rather than sheer firepower.

The film also includes some great chase sequences, gunfights, and well-timed explosions. Though the set pieces are smaller and more intimate than some of the previous Marine films, they still manage to pack a punch, offering up plenty of thrills for fans of the action genre.

Tone and Atmosphere
The Marine 6: Close Quarters keeps its tone light and fast-paced, never taking itself too seriously. While the plot and characters may not be groundbreaking, the film knows its audience: fans of straightforward, action-packed entertainment. The tone is a mix of tension and fun, with a sense of urgency throughout as Jake and Luke fight their way through one dangerous encounter after another.

There’s a sense of grit and intensity, amplified by the film’s use of practical effects. The movie relies on the physicality of the actors and stuntmen, with minimal reliance on CGI, which adds to the realism of the action sequences. This is a no-frills action film—there’s no complex backstory or high-stakes emotional drama—just tough guys doing what they do best.

Conclusion
The Marine 6: Close Quarters is a solid entry in the action franchise, offering fans exactly what they want: brutal fight scenes, sharp choreography, and a fast-moving plot that keeps things interesting without any unnecessary fluff. While it doesn’t break any new ground in terms of plot or character development, it’s a fun, high-energy film that delivers the thrills.

Mike “The Miz” Mizanin proves once again that he’s a capable lead in the action genre, and the addition of Shawn Michaels brings extra star power to the mix. Fans of the Marine series or anyone looking for a no-nonsense action film will likely find The Marine 6 to be an enjoyable ride.

If you’re looking for deep storytelling or high art, this isn’t the film for you. But if you want high-energy, tough-guy action and a straightforward narrative, The Marine 6: Close Quarters delivers in spades.