A few weeks ago, Hurricane Sandy was on its way, and I more or less knew that my home in suburban Connecticut would be without power for days on end. Of course, no power meant no movies. So, in addition to collecting bottled water and making sure all of the flashlights had batteries, I downloaded a film from iTunes to watch on my Macbook Air. That movie was "Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning."Much to my surprise, it ended up being a hugely entertaining beacon of light and one of the very best action movies of the year. But… what? Why? How? Read on for an explanation as to why "Day Of Reckoning" is so unthinkably great.

It Doesn't Matter If You Haven’t Seen Another "Universal Soldier" Movie
The original "Universal Soldier" was released back in 1992. Like "Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning," it features memorable performances by expendables Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren. I only sort of remember it. It involved clones or super-soldiers or something, and one of them was good and one of them was bad (I forget which). Since then, the "Universal Soldier" mythology gets really convoluted -- there were two direct-to-video sequels made in 1998 ("Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms" and "Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business") followed by a theatrical sequel (1999's "Universal Soldier: The Return"), which neglected both the events of the first film and the direct-to-video follow-ups, but did star Van Damme. (With me so far?) In 2010, "Universal Soldier: Regeneration" was released theatrically as a direct sequel to the original 1992 film and saw the return of both Van Damme and Lundgren. "Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning" is a sequel to that 2010 film. Except that virtually nothing matters and the overly complicated canon is pretty much ignored. This is a very good thing. Because when you're half-asleep and listening to hurricane-force winds batter your house, it's hard to keep up with the minutiae of the "Universal Soldier" mythology.

Instead, "Day of Reckoning" stars Scott Atkins (a dude who is more or less a stuntman, which makes his acting chops even more surprising) as John, a man whose wife and child were murdered (brutally) by Van Damme's character, Luc Deveraux. So John goes on a quest of revenge to stop Deveraux, who is assembling an army of freed universal soldiers and is plotting some kind of huge military coup. Hot on John's trail, though, is the villainous Magnus (brawler Andrei Arlovski, a holdover from "Universal Soldier: Regeneration"). Lundgren shows up at some point, too. It's the revenge through-line that makes the movie so palpable, along with its merciful abandonment of previously established mythology. All you need to know is that the universal soldiers were created under a government program and they have nifty super-soldier abilities. You know, sort of like Captain America.

It's Not In 3D
Originally, "Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning" was called "Universal Soldier: A New Dimension," which makes it seem like it's a theme park attraction, and plays into the fact that the movie was (supposedly) shot in 3D. I'm not sure if it even was shot in 3D or if it was post-converted or if the movie is being released theatrically with the added dimensionality, but it's coming out flat in America. And that is a very good thing. Not only will you be spared the surcharge, but the movie is so full-throttle that it doesn't even need debris zooming out at the audience.

The Action Sequences Are Genuinely Spectacular
There's been a nice equilibrium in action movies this year -- for every "Amazing Spider-Man," we've been blessed with a "Raid: Redemption." But "Day of Reckoning" might be the best of the bunch. There is a sense of unpredictability at play, which makes the film feel breathlessly alive. The movie is low budget, for sure (it cost around $11 million, which is less than three episodes of "Fringe"), but instead of taking away from the movie’s general tone or aesthetic, it adds to it. You know that these guys were actually trudging through both the swamp and depressed areas of Louisiana. That sense of urban decay and built-up grime adds more to this movie than any production design or art direction ever could. These sequences are also gloriously, CGI-free. You see real cars smashing into each other and, more importantly, real bodies getting beat up. It's exhilarating and real.

It Is So, So Violent
"Day of Reckoning" is also being released without a rating, which is probably for the best, because, unlike any action movie in recent memory, it flirts with an NC-17. This is not a movie for the faint of heart. The violence here has consequences (like, say, having to watch your family get slaughtered), and it does much to humanize the army of amassed super-soldiers. There's one sequence -- an unbroken shot where our hero is making his ways through the bowels of Van Damme's underground lair -- that is shockingly intense and gory.

There's An Extended "Rolling Thunder" Reference (I Think)
Both "Universal Soldier: Regeneration" and "Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning" were directed by John Hyams, the son of noted cinematographer and director Peter Hyams (who directed "The Presidio" and "The Relic"). Hyams moves things along at a quick pace, and I'm guessing that one of my favorite sequences, set at a brothel, is a knowing wink to "Rolling Thunder," a John Flynn film from 1977 that starred William Devane and a baby-faced Tommy Lee Jones as revenge-minded Vietnam vets. That movie’s bloody climax takes place in a whorehouse, and while the sequence in "Day of Reckoning" takes place much earlier in this film, the similarities are there.

So, long story short: If you’re in need of some action over the holidays, I recommend watching "Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning." The film opens theatrically this Friday and is available now on iTunes.

Earlier on Moviefone:

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• 'Silver Linings Playbook'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> November 21 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Robert De Niro, Julia Stiles <strong>What It's About:</strong> A man is released from a psychiatric ward into the care of his family, and he hopes to make everything OK with his estranged wife. Things get complicated when a troubled young woman forces her way into his life. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yes. We've been hearing very good things about this movie, with the electric chemistry between Cooper and Lawrence a surprising treat. Also, De Niro isn't just a cariacture of his former self -- he's actually funny in the role!

• 'Life of Pi'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> November 21 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Irrfan Khan, Gerard Depardieu, Suraj Sharma <strong>What It's About:</strong> A young man who survives a ship capsizing at sea goes on a remarkable journey. Confined to a life raft on the open ocean, he forms an unlikely connection a scary, hungry Bengal tiger. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yes. Despite the unheard-of cast, this movie looks absolutely gorgeous, so even if the plot falters a bit, we can bask in its beauty. The book won several awards, so millions of people can't be wrong, can they?

• 'Red Dawn'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> November 21 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Chris Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Josh Peck, Isabel Lucas, Jeffrey Dean Morgan <strong>What It's About:</strong> In this remake of the 1984 flick, America is attacked by North Korea. After most of their town is taken prisoner, a group of high schoolers band together in order to fight the North Koreans and liberate the town. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yeah, we know: Hollywood is overrun with remakes and sequels and prequels. However, they don’t always turn out to be complete disasters. Nevertheless, the early word on “Red Dawn” has not been good, so our excitement for this film is tepid at best.

• 'Rise of the Guardians'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> November 21 Who's In It: Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman, Jude Law, Alec Baldwin and Isla Fisher <strong>What It's About:</strong> Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost team up to protect the world from an evil spirit, hellbent on domination. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yes. With its many familiar characters, "Guardians" is a great family flick for the holidays. (Santa's in it after all!) And with a laundry list of celebs, the cast is second to none.

• 'Hitchcock'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> November 23 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, James D'Arcy <strong>What It's About:</strong> A biopic of one of the most evocative directors of our time, which chronicles the difficulty of making "Psycho" and the surprising behind-the-scenes love story between Hitchcock and his wife, Alma. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> A must see for any Hitch fan. The film gives a unique bird's eye into the making of "Psycho" and the private lives of the director. Plus, Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh? Sold.

• 'Killing Them Softly'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> November 30 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta <strong>What It's About:</strong> Based on the novel by George V. Higgins, the film follows enforcer Jackie Coogan (Pitt), who looks to track down two robbers to held up a mob-enforced poker game. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> We were sold from the first trailer, which features a shotgun-wielding Brad Pitt looking to take down the duo responsible for robbing the mob (related: when is it ever a good idea to rob the mafia?). Also, it’s been awhile since we’ve seen James Gandolfini in anything mob-related, so it will be interesting to see his take on a new character.

• 'Playing for Keeps'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 7 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dennis Quaid <strong>What It's About:</strong> After falling on tough times, a former sports star attempts to rebuild his life by coaching his son's soccer team, and ends up attracting some very fetching soccer moms. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> A star-studded rom-com can go either way. Let's hope that this is a little more "Love Actually" than "New Years Eve."

• 'Hyde Park on Hudson'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 7 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Colman, Samuel West, Elizabeth Marvel, Elizabeth Wilson, Eleanor Bron, Olivia Williams <strong>What It's About:</strong> A clandestine love story between FDR (Murray) and his distant cousin (Linney), is set against the backdrop of a first visit from King and Queen of England in 1939. <Strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yes and no. Yes = Bill Murray, in anything, ever. However, with a thinly drawn plot and poor supporting characters, Murray ends up being the only thing "Hyde Park" has going for it.

• 'Stand Up Guys'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 14 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin <strong>What It's About:</strong> "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." A gaggle of golden-aged con men reconvene for one last job. Geriatric hilarity ensues! <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> "Grumpy Old Men" meets "The Godfather." Count us in.

• 'The Hobbit'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 14 <Strong>Who's In It:</strong> Martin Freeman, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellan (and more) <strong>What It's About:</strong> An adventurous Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to a mountain with a group of vulgar, raucous dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> No explanation needed -- of COURSE we are.

• 'The Guilt Trip'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 19 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Seth Rogen, Barbra Streisand, Kathy Najimy, Colin Hanks, Adam Scott <strong>What It's About:</strong> Streisand, who plays a cheek-pinching mother, and Rogen, her son, decide to go on an unexpected, relationship-bonding road trip. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Jewish mothers everywhere are kvelling; finally a movie for overbearing mommas!

• 'Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 21 <strong>Cast:</strong> Erica Linz, Igor Zaripov <strong>What It's About:</strong> The film is an original story told through Cirque du Soleil performances <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yes. If you've been to a Cirque performance before, you'll know how gorgeous and spectacular they can be. Transferring it to the big-screen (in 3D, no less), is a logical next step.

• 'Monsters, Inc 3D'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 19 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn <strong>What It's About:</strong> Sully and Mike are back -- and bigger (get it?) than ever! Here, the beloved 2002 flick gets a spiffy 3D revamp. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yes. As though you need another excuse to watch 'Monsters, Inc.' again.

• 'Zero Dark Thirty'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> January 11, 2013 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Taylor Kinney, Jessica Chastain, Kyle Chandler, James Gandolfin <strong>What It's About:</strong> A close look at the hunt for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks, along with his death at the hands of Navy SEAL Team 6. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Yes. Director Kathryn Bigelow has proven herself to be a more-than-able director, and her take on the inside function of this Navy team should be fascinating. If "The Hurt Locker" is any indication of what to expect, we're anticipating a glut of suspense and sweat.

• 'On the Road'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 21 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley, Kristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst, Steve Buscemi <strong>What It's About:</strong> Sal Paradise, a young writer, along with Dean Moriarty and Marylou, travel back and forth across the country, encountering new people and different experiences. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Many purists think it’s sacrilegious to adapt a book like Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” However, we’re excited to see this tale of 1950s Americana finally come to life on the big screen, particularly with “Motorcycles Diary” director Walter Salles at the helm.

• 'Jack Reacher'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 21 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Robert Duvall, Werner Herzog <strong>What It's About:</strong> The film follows Cruise as the titular character, a former Army cop-turned-drifter who follows no laws except his own. Here, Reacher returns to the fray in order to help out an ex-military sniper who’s been accused of murdering five people. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Though different on paper (the character was created by author Lee Child), in the trailer, Reacher seems similar to another of Cruise's characters: Ethan Hunt from the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. However, it’s always fun to see the star running around and kicking butt. Not to mention, Werner Herzog plays the villain, which is just awesome.

• 'This Is 40'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 21 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Megan Fox, John Lithgow, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Melissa McCarthy, Robert Smigel, Charlene Yi, Albert Brooks <strong>What It's About:</strong> The "sort of sequel" to "Knocked Up" revisits the hilariously difficult relationship of Debbie (Mann) and Pete (Rudd). <Strong>Are We Excited:</strong> 100 percent excited. Rudd and Mann stole the scenes in 2007's "Knocked Up," and from the scatologically heavy trailer, "This is 40" is poised to deliver even more side-splitters.

• 'Django Unchained'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 25 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Don Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson <strong>What It's About:</strong> Jamie Foxx is Django, a slave who agrees to help a bounty hunter track down the ruthless Brittle Brothers. In exchange, the bounty hunter will helphim free Django’s wife, Broomhilda, from the evil plantation owner Calvin Candie (DiCaprio). <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Two words: Hell. Yes. This is Quentin Tarantino we’re talking about, and the man has never directed a bad movie. This time around, he’s tackling slavery, spaghetti-western style. Things that we can expect: witty one-liners, massive shoot ‘em ups and and an awesome soundtrack. Why? Because that’s signature QT, and it’s what’s helped him develop an enormous cult following.

• 'Les Miserables'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 25 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen <strong>What It's About:</strong> The famous French Revolutionary tale finds a new voice on the big screen. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Absolutely. With an acclaimed director -- Tom Hooper, who earned Best Director for "The King's Speech" -- and a vocally spellbinding cast, "Les Mis" is silencing skeptics and garnering a lion's share of awards buzz.

• 'Parental Guidance'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 25 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott, Bailee Madison <strong>What It's About:</strong> Crystal and Midler play grandparents who find themselves out of their element when they're charged with taking care of their technologically-savvy grandchildren. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Definitely -- Crystal and Midler are the perfect older couple. And Marisa Tomei as their daughter? Someone give this casting director a medal.

• 'Promised Land'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 28 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Frances McDormand, Rosemarie DeWitt, Scoot McNairy <strong>What It's About:</strong> Corporate salesmen (Damon, McDormand) wander into an economically depressed town and attempt to buy the drilling rights to their properties, but are met with opposition. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> With a killer cast and director (Gus Van Sant), this meh-sounding drama will probably end up singing.

• 'Quartet'

  <strong>Release Date:</strong> December 28 <strong>Who's In It:</strong> Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon, Pauline Collins <strong>What It's About:</strong> A gaggle of retired opera performers reunite for a theater fundraiser. Hilarity ensues. <strong>Are We Excited:</strong> Definitely. It's Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, and with Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly starring, how can you lose?