CINEMA audiences will forgive an inherently stupid action film almost anything, providing it is entertaining.

In Jan De Bont’s Speed, an explosive-laden bus defied the laws of gravity to leap across a 50-foot gap in an elevated highway – impossible, yet exhilarating.

12 Rounds, the latest overblown adrenaline rush from director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger), would be afforded the same leniency if it didn’t take itself so seriously.

Certainly, it doesn’t help that the film’s hulking lead star is better known for his acrobatics in the WWE wrestling ring and delivers lines in monotone as if he is reading them off prompt cards.

However, Harlin and screenwriter Daniel Kunka carry on regardless, pitting a cop against a madman in a series of preposterous challenges, which include halting a runaway tram.

If only 12 Rounds winked at the audience, just once, to let us know it is in on the joke.

New Orleans police officer Danny Fisher (John Cena) and partner Hank Carver (Brian White) become involved in the FBI stakeout of psychopath Miles Jackson (Aidan Gillen).

After a frenetic chase on foot, Danny apprehends Miles and is inadvertently responsible for the death of the suspect’s girlfriend and accomplice.

One year later, to the day, Miles breaks out of jail to wreak revenge on the man he holds responsible for taking away the one thing he held dear.

To save his sweetheart, the muscular cop – now promoted to detective – must undertake a series of games against the clock.

12 Rounds is a series of accomplished action set-pieces flimsily glued together by the battle of dull wits.

Most stunts are second-hand, and Cena looks like he can handle himself in a brawl, but he grapples unconvincingly with the limp dialogue.