The 355

The first week of January isn’t exactly known for quality cinema, and The 355 does its best to maintain that reputation.

Co-written and directed by Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), the international espionage thriller makes poor use of its talented cast and a decent premise involving a device that can override any security system.

Reeking of studio interference, the shoddy script treats agents Mace (Jessica Chastain), Marie (Diane Kruger), Khadijah (Lupita Nyong’o), and Graciela (Penélope Cruz) as means to an end instead of anything resembling human beings. And though their globetrotting efforts move at an active pace, it’s in a manner that raises more question marks than pulse rates.

Atop these weaknesses, double crosses and faked deaths are easier to spot than Waldo, and the frequent cookie-cutter shootouts carry little doubt that our team will survive. These gifted performers deserve more than substandard material and flimsy direction — especially considering the dearth of female-fronted action flicks — though with box office success unlikely, odds are good that they won’t have to suffer together under Kinberg’s guidance again.

Grade: C-minus. Rated R. Now playing at AMC River Hills 10, Carolina Cinemark, and Regal Biltmore Grande

(Photo: Universal Pictures)