Director Sylvain White delivers a tense and entertaining array of genres in this fast-paced adaptation of the Vertigo graphic novel.

White maintains the tension through visceral sequences shot with great intensity in locations such as Bolivia, Mexico and Brooklyn.

White's dynamic visual narrative gives the sense that the stakes are high.

Idris Elba plays the hardened group of soldiers seeking revenge against political puppet master Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Elba demonstrated his nuance in a perfectly adequate role.

White made the most of the talents of Chris Evans, Zoe Saldana and Jason Patric with an efficient budget. The supporting roles of Collins and Ortiz add grit and humour to alleviate the dark themes.

Though perhaps forgettable to some, The Losers proved to be an efficient and textured genre journey, anchored by outstanding, brooding protagonists. White showed promise in balancing depth and accessible emotions.

An intelligent summer film that went unnoticed by most.

White's mastery bodes well for future projects that capitalise on his visual talent and sense of pulp fun, which will no doubt be appreciated by audiences.

At the box office, the film did well, grossing $23 million domestically on a budget of $25 million. This demonstrates its drawing power and its appeal to genre audiences.

Worldwide it grossed $53 million, almost twice what it cost. A success for New Line and for director Sylvain White's commercial prospects.