Review of The Brave One (2007) by Kim S — 22 Jan 2010

10/15/07: I thought this was just going to be your typical revenge/vigilante film, with Jodie Foster in the Charles Bronson role. In some ways, it was a typical vigilante movie (lots of people who had turned to the dark side got killed) - but Fosterâ??s performance and voice-overs gave a chilling look into her characterâ??s transformation from an easy-going, happy and sucessful New Yorker into a fearful, tortured soul.

I donâ??t think her character was out for revenge as much as she was desperately, oh so desperately, trying to find a way back to her previous life â?? to her peace and happiness. But, as we all know after a horrible personal tragedy, that is impossible.

Thank goodness most folks turn to a therapist with a prescription pad instead of the local back-alley gun dealer. Terrence Howard, as the detective investigating the vigilante killings, was his usual brilliant self.

Iâ??m one of the few people who never really loved Jodie Fosterâ??s acting; she always seemed a little wooden and unapproachable to me, regardless of the role (please donâ??t get me started - remember Nell? â??Like tâ??ee in the wayâ?¦.

.â??) Anywhooooâ?? I really liked Foster in this movie. I thought her acting was great and I bought into her character completely. The film has some very implausible scenarios â?? but I had no problem suspending belief.

Foster is 45 and looks great, in an Annette Bening, natural way. Foster has a few wrinkles; her lips are a little thinner â?? but sheâ??s comfortable in her body, and because of that sheâ??s really beautiful.

Thank goodness she hasnâ??t plumped up her lipsâ??have you seen Meg Ryan lately â?? yikes!