Take the director’s advice and skip his latest film

“Babylon A.D.”

20th Century Fox

Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz

Starring Vin Diesel, Melanie Thierry, Michelle Yeoh, Gerard Depardieu, Charlotte Rampling and Mark Strong

Rated PG-13

1 1/2 Stars        

Film critics know that it’s never a good sign when a studio decides to forego preview screenings for their new movie, so we were naturally leery about Vin Diesel’s new science fiction adventure, “Babylon A.D.” We had good reason to be frightened; not only did 20th Century Fox Films cancel all the press screenings, but the director publically trashed his film, calling it little better than “a bad episode of ‘24’.”

Who am I to disagree with the director?

“Babylon A.D.” is a confusing action flick all dressed up to look like a science fiction drama. Based on the book “Babylon Babies,” this is the story of a near-future mercenary (Vin Diesel) who is hired by a Russian gangster (Gerard Depardieu) to transport a mysterious young woman to New York City. An enigmatic nun (Michelle Yeoh) comes along for the ride, which is a good thing because shadowy forces seem to be set against our hero and the young woman (Melanie Thierry).

What do they want from the girl? What secrets does she possess? And most importantly, will anybody in the audience care when the secrets are finally revealed.

No.