Let me tell you about Captain J.J. Collins (Elsa Pataky), the main character in Interceptor, an action thriller from Australia. This brave woman was about to become a three-star Army General assigned to the Pentagon. Unfortunately, she complained about sexual harassment and was given another assignment instead. This one involved being in charge of one of the two interceptor stations established to shoot down missiles coming our way.

On her first day at the new job, she learns that the other station has been destroyed, so her station is the only one left. The other bad news? A terrorist group has stolen nuclear missiles from Russia and will be zooming them to various U.S. cities in an hour.

To make matters worse, some of the terrorists have entered Collins’ station   and are trying to break through to her position. Where are the SEALS? On their way -- except it will take too long to help much. Yikes!  And she can’t count on her own crew for various reasons, but if I tell you why it would  spoil the movie for you.         

A lone woman must save the day

when sure destruction comes our way.

Sixteen missiles launched in the air

 aiming at cities. Oh, despair!

Will Captain Collins do her best?

She’s smart and tough and will not rest.

“Interceptor” shows how she works

and why she almost never shirks.

When she fights, she goes all out.

She’s in to win and that’s no doubt.

So beware villains. Watch your back.

Captain Collins your bones will crack.

Elsa Pataky is Collins.

Playing this part, she really wins.

This action role suits that lady,

but needs more than just one movie.

We usually see a male actor in action movies like this one. So it’s refreshing to watch Pataky bring Captain Collins to life on screen. I’d like to see a sequel or a series centered on this character. Pataky’s performance is the reason to see Interceptor, but Luke Bracey also stands out as the top bad guy. Creepy conversations between these two opposing characters reminded me a bit of Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster’s interactions in Silence of the Lambs.   

Sorry to say the production values are not first-rate here, especially some fuzzy scenes and questionable special effects. Plus, the plot seems too far-fetched. Nevertheless, the feeling of suspense held my interest throughout. And, of course, Elsa Pataky’s excellent performance does save the day.        

(Released by Netflix and rated TV-MA.)

Director: Matthew Reilly

Writers: Matthew Reilly and Stuart Beattie