Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) is a computer security manager for a major Seattle, Washington bank, in the midst of what appears to be a fairly agreeable merger. In the beautiful suburbs he resides, with his wife Beth, (Virginia Madsen) an architect, and their two children, Sarah and Andrew (Carly Schroeder) (Jimmy Bennett), along with their scruffy, but lovable dog, Rusty. Bill Cox (Paul Bettany) is a ruthless bank robber aligned with one computer savvy cohort and two thugs, whom he even despises, calling one criminal. With Bill's short temper, even his edgy helpers are easily disposable, reminding us that this story is at times, thoroughly violent and graphic. In just mere minutes, Cox's trio manages to take hostage Stanfield's family in exchange for $100 million dollars to be electronically transferred to Cox's, where else, other than an off shore account. As many are so familiar with Ford, he plays a hero, who will stop at nothing to save the gravely endangered lives of his loved ones, his family. Likewise, Bettany to the bone, upholds his acting chops. Consistent with his roles, in A Beautiful Mind and Master and Commander, and probably many others, he is able to so skillfully grasp his part, compelling the audience to interpret his character, no matter what the role, even if it is as despicable and despising as Bill Cox.
This movie's momentum is all founded upon and maintained upon the tension between Stanfield v.s. Cox and good v.s. evil. As a cold blooded killer and bank robber, Bettany completely fulfills his half of creating absolute tension and suspense, demanded for this movie to succeed at its intent, evil threatening what is good. Ford, the other half, good, is the quick thinking, slower speaking, analytical and street wise problem solver, who pushes himself right into his role, adopting all of the supporting cast in his own elemental nature, one that appears to be his by first. Simply, he is superb. What many women might say is missing, is a scene of more personal intimacy between Jack and his wife, Beth, showing us how important the love between them is. Maybe it's a dinner, an anniversary, a birthday, or possibly personal conversation exchanged before bedtime. Without this personal side revealed between the two, this thriller is even more of a chiller.
Although the script, by Joe Forte, might be criticized for being fairly simple in plot, it's Stanfield v.s. Cox that makes this film the substantial body of work that it is. Was the directing equally superb as the acting? One can't help but to think, yes. Richard Loncraine deserves a great deal of credit for making sure that Cox and Stanfield battled each other, forcefully and credibly, from each their own perspectives, to the very end of the film. Extreme well execution of direction by Loncraine, and well adapted performance, by each of main actors was evident. Cox, with extra detail, designs his frame-up to make Stanfield look guilty, even to have Jack and the police believe, that Beth Stanfield is having an affair with one of Jack's banking partners. Jack, as we expect from a Ford character, is quick to catch onto all of Cox's deceptive plots.
When Stanfield's family has been taken away by van, from their home, Ford's physical work begins. He is incredible. In the scene where he jumps from building top to patio deck, we see the passion and drive he has for saving his family. Patiently working with those less knowledgeable and strong in mind and body, is his perceptive attribute. Teaming up with the last person we would imagine, his very young, and at times, verbally frustrated secretary, the two manage to help one another, when it is needed most, reminding us that mutual perseverance holds no prejudices.
From the car explosion, to the final one on one fight scene, Ford as Stanfield, is the ultimate hero, and Bettany as Cox, the ultimate villain, everything that Loncraine was probably looking to accomplish, and did. Not often will the movie-goer see this kind of powerful one on one fight scene of good v.s. evil. It is considered incredible, and as a reminder, Ford doesn't mind sharing with his audience, that he is sixty three. In my view, the final scene, simply, was not easy. But, as an immanent hero, he's surprisingly never afraid, in the end, to show his more vulnerable side, now having us wonder how badly he's been hurt. He doesn't bleed oil. He bleeds blood and tears and he's not afraid to remind us of that.
If you're down in the dumps this Valentine's Day or many a Valentine's Day from season's past, never fear, Harrison is here. He'll literally remind you that a man is still a man, one who, when he has to, will fight to the bone, to save his wife and children. He'll rationalize, think analytically, take unknown never before risks and push his mind and body every extent, to substantiate that evil shall not prevail over the good and loving, and those whom he loves. Bettany will show himself to be a savvy, versatile actor, playing the role of Bill Cox, likely a cathartic experience to claim his own, real life goodness, one can only hope. The movie-goer to this film, won't be left in the dark this Valentine's Day. Firewall is every woman's fantasy come true, to be rescued by an intelligent, handsome and loving man, who really cares, preferably, her husband.
This movie's momentum is all founded upon and maintained upon the tension between Stanfield v.s. Cox and good v.s. evil. As a cold blooded killer and bank robber, Bettany completely fulfills his half of creating absolute tension and suspense, demanded for this movie to succeed at its intent, evil threatening what is good. Ford, the other half, good, is the quick thinking, slower speaking, analytical and street wise problem solver, who pushes himself right into his role, adopting all of the supporting cast in his own elemental nature, one that appears to be his by first. Simply, he is superb. What many women might say is missing, is a scene of more personal intimacy between Jack and his wife, Beth, showing us how important the love between them is. Maybe it's a dinner, an anniversary, a birthday, or possibly personal conversation exchanged before bedtime. Without this personal side revealed between the two, this thriller is even more of a chiller.
Although the script, by Joe Forte, might be criticized for being fairly simple in plot, it's Stanfield v.s. Cox that makes this film the substantial body of work that it is. Was the directing equally superb as the acting? One can't help but to think, yes. Richard Loncraine deserves a great deal of credit for making sure that Cox and Stanfield battled each other, forcefully and credibly, from each their own perspectives, to the very end of the film. Extreme well execution of direction by Loncraine, and well adapted performance, by each of main actors was evident. Cox, with extra detail, designs his frame-up to make Stanfield look guilty, even to have Jack and the police believe, that Beth Stanfield is having an affair with one of Jack's banking partners. Jack, as we expect from a Ford character, is quick to catch onto all of Cox's deceptive plots.
When Stanfield's family has been taken away by van, from their home, Ford's physical work begins. He is incredible. In the scene where he jumps from building top to patio deck, we see the passion and drive he has for saving his family. Patiently working with those less knowledgeable and strong in mind and body, is his perceptive attribute. Teaming up with the last person we would imagine, his very young, and at times, verbally frustrated secretary, the two manage to help one another, when it is needed most, reminding us that mutual perseverance holds no prejudices.
From the car explosion, to the final one on one fight scene, Ford as Stanfield, is the ultimate hero, and Bettany as Cox, the ultimate villain, everything that Loncraine was probably looking to accomplish, and did. Not often will the movie-goer see this kind of powerful one on one fight scene of good v.s. evil. It is considered incredible, and as a reminder, Ford doesn't mind sharing with his audience, that he is sixty three. In my view, the final scene, simply, was not easy. But, as an immanent hero, he's surprisingly never afraid, in the end, to show his more vulnerable side, now having us wonder how badly he's been hurt. He doesn't bleed oil. He bleeds blood and tears and he's not afraid to remind us of that.
If you're down in the dumps this Valentine's Day or many a Valentine's Day from season's past, never fear, Harrison is here. He'll literally remind you that a man is still a man, one who, when he has to, will fight to the bone, to save his wife and children. He'll rationalize, think analytically, take unknown never before risks and push his mind and body every extent, to substantiate that evil shall not prevail over the good and loving, and those whom he loves. Bettany will show himself to be a savvy, versatile actor, playing the role of Bill Cox, likely a cathartic experience to claim his own, real life goodness, one can only hope. The movie-goer to this film, won't be left in the dark this Valentine's Day. Firewall is every woman's fantasy come true, to be rescued by an intelligent, handsome and loving man, who really cares, preferably, her husband.