Kurt Wimmer's previous film, Equilibrium, was a film which, as I recall, was very well directed by someone with such little experience. The action was unique, and director Wimmer infused every scene with an unbelievable amount of energy. Creating an original concept involving a technique called Gun-Kata, a close combat fighting style involving guns as close range weapons, was original and certainly provided a great stage for Wimmer to stretch his directorial muscles in the action arena. It was a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Ultraviolet takes much the same approach to delivering action, however the action sequences come much more frequently, and are certainly more visually impressive due to an increased budget. The sequences incorporate a number of devices which certainly are cool enough to watch, including a device which changes the effect of gravity, allowing our heroine to walk on the ceiling, and ride her motorcycle along the outside wall of a skyscraper. These devices certainly increase the potential of action sequences, as does Wimmer's directorial style, in which every scene seems to be framed as if taken directly from the pages of a comic book. It is truly impressive to behold.

The film itself, however, is not nearly as solid as the action sequences. The plot is essentially non existent throughout the first third of the film. The film carries itself from action sequence to action sequence revealing as little as possible about the characters or their situation. Needless to say the films first third is by far it's strongest. Action is what this film is about, and Kurt Wimmer knows it. Unfortunately, it is damn near impossible to create a film without some semblance of storytelling, and this is ultimately Ultraviolet's undoing. Creative visual sequences soon become much less prevalent as time is given to develop the relatively simple plot. The strongest aspect of the film is put on the backburner in order to attempt to make sense of the occurrences. Poor dialogue and acting can be right at home during a relatively fun and brainless action film, yet when said film begins to take itself a little more seriously than it should, the film certainly suffers.

With a little more disregard toward the plot, Ultraviolet could have been very entertaining, however the quality of action film which is hinted to throughout the beginning of the film becomes lost, and never seems to find it's way back amidst a jumble of poor ideas, and some very poor acting. Wimmer is certainly a director to watch however, as he is certainly capable of generating an incredible energy during his action sequences which few directors are capable of. He needs a project with either a tighter script, or no script at all to showcase his ability. Regardless of his next project, I will certainly make a point of following him, throughout his future endeavors.