Tom Welling is a long way from Kansas in this tired, lazy action thriller

Mafia Wars
is an action thriller that loses momentum in the third act, which really drags the whole thriller aspect through the mud. Starring Tom Welling, who previously starred as Clark Kent in the popular series Smallville, Mafia Wars is a very different role. While he may add a certain level of star quality, it’s not enough to redeem the rest of the movie from an underdeveloped script, poor pacing, and a supporting cast that was, by and large, mediocre.

The film begins with Tom Welling’s character, Terry, who is bailed out of prison early after joining a fight to protect his cellmate. As it turns out, the benefactor offering Terry freedom is a cop who wants to use him as an undercover agent to help bust a huge drug operation in Rome. Why? Not so clear. But at least Terry is big and intimidating. Then, the rest of the movie sees him infiltrating the mafia, while trying to avoid a whole lot of other plants, as things get increasingly wild.

Mafia Wars stumbles to the finish line

The biggest problem with Mafia Wars Has to be the pacing. There is almost no excuse for the movie’s story to be completely underdeveloped, weak, and poorly planned. This is one of the few aspects where an indie movie can be expected to outshine the bigger releases, but it requires some love and care from the creatives involved. Instead, it feels like though Mafia Wars Is action first and any thought for the plot and premise comes last.

The early sections of the movie are riddled with inconsistencies and elements that don’t make sense. However, the last half tries to increase the tension and action, but then it makes strange cuts and jumps that completely cut the tension and slow down the pace. This wouldn’t be so offensive if this wasn’t the point in the movie where things start to get interesting. Instead, it becomes the most stiff and awkward third act as the story jumps from one moment to the next with black screen transitions.

It all adds up to a movie that kills its own momentum, is predictable, full of tired tropey dialogue and lacks action or thrills. Welling does well with the script he’s been given, but even here, his years of talent and experience see him used as little more than a burly hero whose motives for taking on a dangerous job seem to be added as an afterthought. all that said, Mafia Wars is not entirely without any redeeming qualities.

Mafia Wars has one bright spot

Of the entire cast, the most interesting and engaging actor to appear on screen is Cam Gigandet. Gigandet has had several roles in big Hollywood productions, but playing the unpredictable villain Griff sees the actor stand out in a whole new way. The delivery of his lines, the personality of his character and the enthusiasm he brings to the role make every moment he is on screen some of the best scenes in the movie.

However, despite Gigandet’s standout performance, it wasn’t enough to save the rest of the movie. If the script had been refined and improved, the cast given more direction – specifically, Tom Welling’s character has a more interesting personality – or any degree of attention to improving the story, it could have been something. Instead, the finished product is undercooked and without passion. Mafia Wars Is not a movie worth your time, and unfortunately, it lacks the substance to even be considered a so bad it’s good movie.

Mafia Wars is now available on digital and on demand. The film is 90 minutes long and not rated.