The IMDB entry for Lockout credits Luc Besson as producer, co-screenwriter and ‘original idea’ – but rarely have those words been so wrongly applied. It’s the futuristic tale of a muscular, tough-talking convict who is offered parole if he busts the US president’s attractive, politically savvy daughter out of a maximum-security prison overrun by psychopaths and those guilty of crimes against acting. Sound familiar?

But if Lockout isn’t a patch on the countless other ’80s and ’90s action movies it references, there’s still fun to be had with this messy, trashy, frequently idiotic throwback. Yet first-time feature directors James Mather and Stephen St Leger have a lot to learn. Pacing and tone are all over the place, while tension is repeatedly squandered in favour of another sweaty punch-up.

The resulting movie is sporadically enjoyable and, more often than not, infuriating. But for fans of sci-fi schlock, there are plenty of memorable moments to justify the ticket price.