Review of Man on Fire (1987) by John M — 14 Jun 2012
A movie that reminds us all what some people may have forgotten: you do NOT want to fnck with Denzel Washington! This is a screenplay that was tailor-made for Tony Scott's music video style direction, because it's what he does best: an action-drama.
I loves a good vengeance story, but this is excellent; really right up there with the likes of Kill Bill and Dead Man's Shoes. It starts off innocently enough, with Denzel playing Creasy, an alcoholic ex-assassin hired to protect the daughter of a couple when there is a deadly kidnapping ring running amuck in Mexico City.
He is stand-offish at first when she tries to be befriend him, but she breaks through and they develop a nice little relationship. Then the unspeakable happens, and then Denzel goes on a Death Wish that makes Charles Bronson look tame and reasonable.
Dakota Fanning plays the daughter, and this is the cute role that I like her as, not trying to be something she's not like in Push. It's the best movie I've seen in awhile; it rides on Denzel flexing all of his charismatic muscle.
The only bad thing I can really say is that a small crisis occurred via telephone while I was watching and I had to stop the movie when I really didn't want to, but I can't hold that against it.
This review of Man on Fire (1987) was written by John M on 14 Jun 2012.
Man on Fire has generally received positive reviews.
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