When it comes to these Adkins DTV actioners, i already know what to expect. Usually i'll get some good and sometimes great action alongside a fairly average/cliched storyline. But from time to time, these DTV actioners can sometimes whip out some hidden gems, and DIABLO is now its newest addition.
Scott is his usual acting self. He isnt awful, but not really that great either. BUT as proven before, when Adkins is paired with great material he does become serviceable.
The same could not be said for Marko fucking Zaror, the absolute highlight of this film. As he gives us an absolutely scary and menacing slasher villain performance alongside few but great comedy chops as well.
The fights are also some of the best from both Zaror and Adkins not only in the martial arts choreo but also in it's bigger setpieces and shootouts. The main highlight of which is Zaror's amazing slasher villain mode robocop-esque shootout.
However, there is a noticeable tone shift when going from non-action to action. While admittedly, this becomes less of a problem by the 2nd half. The more quiet tone from the non-action stuff in the first half just made the film feel kinda slow and disjointed. Thankfully as aforementioned, once the action picks up and Zaror and Adkins' characters finally meet, the film just fires a shotgun of entertainment to your face, making up for a lot of the film's faults.