Movie Review

Man on Fire

John Creasy (Denzel Washington) is an ex-marine haunted by the images of his murderous past. He spends his days swamped in a sea of depression and regret, and the only thing he has to keep him company is a bottle of Jack Daniels. Desperately in need of a job, Creasy heads down to Mexico City to see his friend Ray (Christopher Walken), who tells him about a job protecting the daughter of an industrialist named Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony).

As the film's opening points out, there is a kidnapping every 90 minutes and of all those kidnappings, 70% usually don't survive. The figures have Ramos and his American wife (Radha Mitchell) very worried and so he is less than reluctant to hire Creasy, despite his drinking problem. Creasy is then introduced to Pita (Dakota Fanning), a talkative and friendly little girl who sees Creasy as more of a confidant man than a protector. At first he tries to avoid her friendly hand, as he points out that he was hired to be a bodyguard, and not a friend; but as their time together progresses, Creasy begins to warm up to her. He even becomes her swim coach and gives her a very useful method in getting out of piano lessons, while she teaches him how to live and love again.

The two are soon drawn apart when a group of corrupt cops ambush them, kidnapping Pita and leaving Creasy for dead. While he recuperates in a hospital, the ransom payment is botched. As he begins to regain his strength, Creasy sets out to punish with a vengeance.

Man on Fire is a grim and ultra-serious tale that becomes all the more gruesome when Creasy starts handing out comeuppance. This movie is no stranger to excessive force, as Creasy cuts off people's fingers and sticks bombs up their rectums. This character makes The Bride from Kill Bill look like Minnie Mouse, and it becomes a real guilty pleasure watching him do his dirty work.

This movie has also been put into the four very capable hands of Tony Scott and Denzel Washington. Scott supercharges every scene with a gritty visual style, and Washington as always is visual dynamite; he nails this role, capturing the character's anguish and fury. He makes Creasy's vendetta so compelling that it's almost a shame the film's finale chooses to go another way. Dakota Fanning also proves she can hold her own with the best ? her scenes with Washington are very affective.

One thing Man on Fire does have against it is that it is the fourth film this month to deal with revenge issues; and after this film, I have to admit that I'm ready for the CGI, super-hero, disaster flicks of the summer. Still, this one is the best of the four and is definitely worth the time.

Craig's Grade: B+

A	10.9%
B	41.8%
C	31.8%
D	15.3%
F	0.3%