Absolute Dominion is a throwback to when karate tournament movies were all the rage. Set in a dystopian future, the world has found peace through a global martial arts tournament. Fighters represent different religions in order to prevent the global holy wars that had once threatened to destroy everything. But when a new fighter attempts to enter, government officials begin to worry about the ramifications.
In what has to be one of the flimsiest reasons to have a globe spanning battle for supremacy, things begin with Patton Oswalt’s character joking on a livestream. His suggestion to end World War III? A series of fights. While Absolute Dominion never explains how a man filming out of his trailer is able to stop the destruction that is going on, it is self-aware enough to call itself out. There are multiple instances in which the film playfully refers back to some of its stranger choices. It does not make them any less weird, but the tongue in cheek approach is appreciated.
It is unfortunate that Absolute Dominion is an otherwise mostly humorless affair. There is no need to go the full comedic route, but it takes itself too seriously. Part of the charm of movies like Bloodsport or No Retreat, No Surrender is how lighthearted they can be. Even in the face of death, there is time to crack a joke or bust out a quip. Here, characters rarely laugh or even smile. Alex Winter plays his part with a pained look on this face the entire time.
This leaves the focus entirely on the actual fighting. For a worldwide battle between every religion in the world, there is very little pomp. The matches take place in what looks to be an empty rec center. This makes sense as it is just a wild card tournament before the real deal, but all of Absolute Dominion takes place here. It is an important event – people from around the world gather in large crowds to watch – it just never feels like a big deal.
The fights themselves are lopsided affairs. The protagonist is genetically engineered and seems to have no weaknesses. Even though he takes some hits, it never seems like he is in danger of losing. The final fight goes on longer than all the others, but it lacks any tension. And since none of the fighters are actually evil, it provides even less of a rooting interest.
Despite all the flaws, Absolute Dominion remains watchable. It is actually pretty amazing since there is no hook and some pacing issues. There are teases that hint that something much bigger is happening, and though none of it pans out, it is enough to keep audiences interested.
Absolute Dominion releases in theaters and digital May 9.
