Review of Man on Fire (1987) by Becs D — 03 Jul 2016
Man on Fire (2004) C-146m. ?? D: Tony Scott. Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Mickey Rourke. Annoyingly indulgent action film, set in Mexico city: Bodyguard Washington is hired to protect a young girl from professional kidnappers, but when he fails, he swears violent revenge on all criminals associated to her supposed death.
Absorbing first half, canceled out by grisly second. Washington is a great actor, but he's given little here (and making him an alcoholic isn't a terribly original idea either). Also, Scott's indulgence in the editing room (complete with fast cuts, grainy hand-held shots in the middle of scenes for no reason at all), though mostly confined to the second half, become deadening to watch.
The opening credits are almost unwatchable.
This review of Man on Fire (1987) was written by Becs D on 03 Jul 2016.
Man on Fire has generally received positive reviews.
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