A film like Columbiana is different from many that are similar. The main difference is what makes Cataleya,(Zoe Saldana), a killer. This is shown in the opening sequence. A young Cataleya,(Amandla Stenberg), witnesses the death of her parents. They are murdered by a drug lord, Don Luis, (Beto Benites). Her father, before dying, has given her the address of her uncle in Chicago. She also has a thumb drive containing everything about Don Luis. She escapes the killers, in a gripping edge of your seat chase. She gets to the U.S. with the information, handing it over in a unique manner. She escapes federal authorities, and takes a bus to Chicago. It is here that she connects with her Uncle Emilio Restrepo,(Cliff Curtis). Cataleya explains to her uncle, that she wants to kill people like he does. Uncle Emilio doesn’t tell her to walk the path of the straight and narrow. He explains that she must first get an education, to be an efficient killer.
The story jumps ahead fifteen years. Cataleya,(Zoe Saldana) has grown up. She has also achieved her dream of becoming a hit woman. She receives jobs from her uncle, and murders those she knows are linked to Don Luis, in her spare time. She marks the bodies to make it look like serial killings. These murders attract the attention of the FBI. The investigation is led by agent Ross, (Lennie James). The actor is very good in his role. James is best known as Morgan on The Walking Dead. Ross is investigating and discovers that there is a CIA link to the case. The ruthless Don Luis is living a new life under a government protection program. The agency remains tight lipped until Cataleya discovers this fact.
Cataleya works hard at her chosen profession. She does manage to find love. This comes in the form of Danny Delanay,(Michael Vartan). The actor is best known for his role on Alias as Michael Vaughn, the boyfriend of Sydney Bristow, (Jennifer Garner). The two were a real couple during the show. Danny is crazy about Cataleya. He is so happy that he takes a picture of her, while she is sleeping. Danny shows it to his friend, who in turn shows it to his sister-in-law. She works for the police, and gets an id. This puts law enforcement authorities on high alert. This begins an all out hunt for Cataleya. The authorities think they have the murderer in their sights. Despite the high odds, Cataleya will not be taken easily.
Columbiana, to its credit is never boring. It does stretch credibility, and does not show law enforcement in the best light. The action scenes are very well done. There are times when you are routing for Cataleya. Her targets are not good people. One execution involves sharks. The writers have to be given credit for this unusually fast paced film. Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, both have experience scripting action films. They wrote Taken and a few other successful films. The credit for the action scenes being well done would go to Olivier Megaton. Stunts have to be carefully coordinated with all parties, and require perfect timing. Zoe Saldana does a good job acting in the film. She does very well in her scenes with Cliff Curtis. Her shocking reaction to her lover taking her picture stands out. Her aura of cold professionalism,and her changing feelings prove why she is a very successful actress. Anyone who views Columbiana will be entertained. They will have to suspend disbelief and be able to accept a high level of violence.