POSITIVES…
Director Martin Campbell brings us a solid throwback of an action thriller drama with strong character work.
Main draw with this movie is the incredible talent of the primary lead actors. Born to be an action star Maggie Q, the charming swagger of Michael Keaton, and the fun playfulness of Samuel L Jackson.
The chemistry between Maggie Q and Michael Keaton in particular is out of this world great! All their scenes together are seriously the best things ever in this movie.
Good supporting cast from Robert Patrick, Ray Fearon, David Rintoul, to Ori Pfeffer.
Fantastically choreographed action set pieces that mixes shoot outs and physical combat.
Stylistic kills that can be bloody and brutal.
Awesome evasion tactics and escapes.
Excellent use of shotguns. That powerful sound. That violent impact. Excellent indeed.
Location settings in this movie looked great on screen.
Methodically paced, confidently takes it’s time, and knows how to build up the plot’s progression in benefit of the narrative.
Effective use of flashbacks.
That final flashback and that final scene, certainly feels like a gut punch that challenges how you should feel about what you’ve just been watching up till that point.
Despite the generally familiar premise, this film is not without its good surprises.
Thematically takes on some philosophical ideas about people who do bad things.
NEGATIVES…
As an action thriller drama, there are plot elements that are definitely familiar and derivative.
Those looking for an action packed film might be disappointed.
There are those who will find a good chunk of the movie to be slow and boring.
That one seemingly uncharacteristic stupid and careless act, just for the sake of moving the plot’s progression.
The ending might not work for everybody.
Once again when it comes to movies where people are constantly shooting at our protagonists, the majority of the time they just miraculously miss their target, until it’s convenient for the narrative.
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