Review of Death Sentence (1968) by Alexander C — 07 Dec 2012

''The equation. Sometimes it's... just chaos. That's all there is.''.

Nick Hume is a mild-mannered executive with a perfect life, until one gruesome night he witnesses something that changes him forever. Transformed by grief, Hume eventually comes to the disturbing conclusion that no length is too great when protecting his family.

Kevin Bacon: Nick Hume.

SAW Director James Wan has yet again made another successful film, only this time he focus's on an action perspective rather than a horror selection.

The story revolves around the life of Nick Hume (Kevin Bacon), a respectable father and husband whose life gets turned around when a vicious gang brutally murders his son at a gas station. Now Nick decides to take justice into his own hands, no matter what the consequences.

I really enjoyed the first SAW very much so, and thought it was incredibly well-made with it's complex twist and build up. However I thought the idea of James Wan making an action thriller was bizarre. I was proved wrong after I saw Death Sentence.

Kevin Bacon gives another gritty performance with this raw material under his hat. The action in this film was very laugh out loud crazy and extremely entertaining to watch, reminded me of the Max Payne game series.

Subsequently Death Sentence is a horrific cat-and-mouse battle between him and the gang, which only result in spawning more acts of retaliation, bloodshed and death. The subject matter obviously isn't too mentally challenging, but who cares? It's a hugely disturbing and devastating movie man. Kevin Bacon's transformation from family guy into sardonic vigilante skinhead is awesome, showing he's becoming more like the people he's taking revenge upon, and the actual acts of retribution are evil, twisted and relentless.

Bacon receives excellent support from the almost naturally menacing looking gang members, including Garrett Hedlund, Edi Gathegi and Hector Ruiz. There's also a delicious supportive role for John Goodman as a filthy and despicable weapon dealer. James Wan's direction is practically executed well, proving all the more his talents aren't restricted to horror and twists exclusively.

The grisly soundtrack, bleak and monotonous photography and abrupt ending also all contribute in making Death Sentence one of the most confronting, daring, underrated sleeper hits of 2007-08.