With an exceptionally heavy back story and to large of an attempt at psychological games that do not succeed the film is a lackluster action movie. The '12 Rounds' are far from original but do manage to pass the time easily. As a viewer you may not be bored but being overly engaged is highly unlikely also as the surprises and twists you so desire are never realized.

As the action hero, John Cena (Detective Fisher), does a fine job and is incredibly likable. He portrays the everyday man vibe comfortably and does not try to overdo emotions or appear more knowledgeable than is believable. Simply put, his character does not try to be something he is not, and Cena grasps that completely; in turn giving a performance that is worthy of the film.

The movie delivers plenty of action sequences but nothing that truly puts you on the edge of your seat. They are all commonplace for a film in this genre and the stunts employed are short of awe inducing. It is just an action movie in its simplest form.