Review of Death Sentence (2007) by Lea L — 06 May 2012

Death Sentence - Protect What's Yours..

..........

Well, you don't really know what you'd do until it happens. Surprise yourself.

..........

The family man and senior vice-president of the insurance company Starship Capital Nick Hume lives a comfortable life with his wife Helen and his sons Brendan and Lucas. While driving back home with his son Brendan after a game of hockey, Nick stops his car in a gas station in a dangerous neighborhood and he witnesses his son being murdered by the punk Joe Darley in the convenience store. When the prosecutor tells the grieving Nick that Joe would get a maximum of three years in prison, Nick tells the judge in court that he has not recognized Joe as the killer of his son. In the night, Nick goes to Joe's place and stabs him to death. When Joe's brother Billy is informed about the death of Joe, he summons his gang in a war against Nick with tragic consequences.

...........

Kevin Bacon is a brilliant actor, who has torn my heart out by the roots more than once in some of his film roles, such as Murder One. He does it again in Death Sentence. He brings out the character's pain, fear and anger. Garrett Hedlund gave a great performance as Billy Darley he makes me think, should hate him or feel sorry for him. One side a badass gang leader, and from other side a caring and protective brother. John Goodman was just perfect. The rest of cast were great.

..........

Nicholas "Nick" Hume: No. You listen to me. You go near my family, and I will cut out your goddamn guts like I did your fucking friend. Do you hear me?

Billy Darly: He wasn't my friend. He was my brother. And now I'm coming for the rest of your family. You just bought them a death sentence, motherfucker.

..........

The action scenes are on the ball. The chase scene through alleyways and parking garages were intense, with perfect camera movement. Much of the action has a method to it that allows you to see effectively and clearly what's going. You are never lost as to who went where. Even the winding, twisting pathways of a broken down building will never confuse you as to where the good guy and bad guys are. Director Wan and team had an eye for this kind of stuff, with the audience in mind.

..........

I like Death Sentence because the great cast, great plot, acceptably fast-paced continuous and some great action scene like the cat and mouse situation which ended at the multi-stories parking lot and the shooting in Billy's "Office". I recommend.