Review of Homefront (2013) by James S — 03 Jan 2015

Starring: Jason Statham, James Franco, and Izabela Vidovic.

Directed By: Gary Fleder.

Rated: R.

A retired DEA agent, trying to raise his young daughter in peace, gets on the wrong side of some small town locals with criminal connections.

I have been disappointed in Jason Statham's recent films over the last couple of years. Other then the fun Expendables 2, everything else he has headlined have all been pretty dull, predictable, and identical films. Which is a shame, since he is honestly a pretty good actor. Just type-cast in the same films over and over again. Luckily this time, they choose deeper story over fight scenes. It helps, but doesn't completely save the movie.

Jason Statham plays his usual tough, gruff guy here, only this time he's a father so he gets to be nice and loving every once in a while. Those are the moments he is the best at and more interesting as. He plays a loving father and an intimidating figure both equally well. I do however, enjoy the sarcastic; smart guy he used to play like in Snatch and The Expendables movies. He's good as the tough guy, but he is better when he is given a character with more personality and can show his acting chops. James Franco makes a fun, menacing villain alongside Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth. They are a nice and complex group and kept the movie interesting when not focused on the father and daughter. Izabela Vidovic is also going to be someone to keep an eye on in future movies.

It has some good performances and decent story, but the pacing is a little slow and it drags in a few places. The final home invasion scene is honestly pretty forgettable, but is over pretty quick and moves on to better moments. Not a bad film, but could have been better. If you are a Jason Statham fan then this might be worth a matinee. Everyone else, I would say a rental.

6 Out Of 10 Reels.

"You must be thinkin' hard. I can smell the wood burnin'.".