Review of Dead Man Down (2013) by Brad G — 10 Mar 2013

I kinda love the Hitchcock set-up. Noomi Rapace witnesses neighbor Colin Farrell choking the life outta an angry bald man. She records the murder. Blackmails him into committing another murder. Strangers on a Train from the hateful morality behind the original Girl With A Dragon Tattoo adaptation.

Unfortunately, Dead Man Down is all bark no bite. Nearly every moment in which the threat of violence occurs is quickly stalled by lamebrain character interference. Noomi's scarred beautician is more mope than femme fatale, and Colin Farrell's vengeance seeker never quite reaches the proper rage levels, and his final assault on villain Terrance Howard is missing the sick killing glee the plot deserves.

Dead Man Down should be a rough watch, but in actuality is a tame puppy. VF.