Review of Death Sentence (2007) by Sara B — 02 Mar 2009

There could have been so much more to this one. The very strong theme of gang violence and how it affects everyday people was sort of what kept me watching. Personally, I feel that theme was not touched on enough, or rather it was sort of the driving theme at times and then it wasn't, which kind of bothers me. At times I can't be sure what the film is really saying. Is it a tragedy that Nick Hume is driven to such behavior or is it entirely justified? To try and think about what the film wants me to think in those last few shots of the film really aggravates me. I feel like I'm not being told enough to get a real solid experience.

Go with the gang violence and tragedy theme and the film's borderline unnecessary gratuity can almost be justified. And I do mean gratuitous. This is after all, directed by James Wan, director of the notorious first Saw film. I have to admit that the cinematography, direction, and acting bring out some moments extremely well and in brilliantly subtle ways. With more stuff like those select moments Wan can become something of an auteur. The use of color, angles, framing and lighting felt very spot on in those moments.

It still feels uneven thematically, though, and I personally feel the film suffers for that. Despite that, however, veteran Kevin Bacon brings out his character's transformation quite well, and for what it's worth, so does John Goodman in the portrayal of his character, for the short time he's on screen.