Death Sentence

In a 1975 interview with Wayne Warga, Charles Bronson stated that he felt miscast as vigilante Paul Kersey in Michael Winner's 'Death Wish,' saying that the role "would have been better for Dustin Hoffman or somebody who could play a weaker kind of man." Author Brian Garfield- who wrote the novel Winner's film was based on- agreed, remarking that Bronson's tough-guy image spoiled the film, as the moment he appeared on screen "you knew he was going to start blowing people away."

Whether or not one agrees with the claims that a more timorous actor would be better suited for the part of Paul Kersey (Eli Roth certainly didn't, considering he cast Bruce Willis in the role for his 2018 remake) it must be admitted that the character Bronson plays is unlike Garfield's unprepossessing, reluctant vigilante.

Similarly, the whole film contrasts sharply with its source material, upsetting Garfield greatly. He felt appalled that audiences were encouraged by the film's violence and vigilantism, despite decrying both topics in his book. He felt that Winner "made a hero out of him. I thought I'd shown that he'd become a very sick man." He was compelled to write a sequel, 'Death Sentence,' that would act as a clear indictment of violence in all its forms, which was not the basis for 'Death Wish II', or any of the other Bronson-led films in the franchise.

In 2007, this was adapted for screen by James Wan. Very, very loosely based on Garfield's novel, 'Death Sentence' centres on Nick Hume, an insurance company executive. He lives the perfect life, happily married with two sons. One day, Nick witnesses his older son being shot dead during an apparent robbery. Determined to find justice, he hunts down the men responsible, though his actions threaten to destroy what little family he has left.

It is an entertaining action thriller, that doesn't break any new ground, though is engaging and has some thematic depth. Although not exactly a paragon of anti-vigilantism, Wan's film is closer in tone- and in themes- to Garfield's novels than Winner's. Unlike Bronson's Paul Kersey, who becomes a symbol of vigilante justice, Nick Hume's journey is portrayed with a raw emotional intensity, highlighting the personal cost of his actions.

Furthermore, the film raises questions about the cycle of violence and whether true justice can ever be achieved through revenge. It touches on the idea of violence as a dehumanising force, stripping people of compassion and perpetuating suffering. Through its exploration of these themes- although concerned with different events and following a differently named character- the film is a faithful adaptation of Garfield's novel.

However, while these ideas are initially explored in an interesting way, Wan doesn't make them the forefront of the narrative. Moreover, the further it goes on, the more straightforward the film becomes. It loses its complexity- as well as its nuanced approach to the idea of vigilantism. By the last act, the interesting themes and notions are all but abandoned, and the film- for all intents and purposes- is exactly like Winner's, just lacking Charles Bronson.

Conversely, Wan and director of photography John R. Leonetti's stark cinematography contributes significantly to the grittiness of the narrative, as does their adoption of a muted colour palette. Their usage of close-ups and tracking shots effectively creates tension, while their utilisation of lighting and shadows is atmospheric. They capture both drama and action with equal aplomb- a lengthy chase scene going from a street, through alleyways and onto the roof of a car park being most notable.

The film's action and violence are realistic and expertly choreographed, although some moments- especially in the last act- feel a bit comic-booky. Despite that, it remains a pulse-pounding, often frenetic affair, well-edited by Michael N. Knue. Additionally, Charlie Clouser's score compounds the film's emotional impact, as well as its tension, and the production design is generally commendable.

The ever-versatile Kevin Bacon stars as Nick Hume, and is terrific, astutely portraying his struggles and evolution over the course of the film. Whether grieving the loss of his son, grappling with acts of violence or contemplating multiple murders, Bacon is totally credible, making Hume a compelling character. Even in its weakest moments, he shines. Carrying the film squarely on his shoulders, Bacon never sets a foot wrong.

Opposite him, Garrett Hedlund does strong work as the contemptible villain Billy Darley, playing him with a winning blend of menace and sleaze. John Goodman does typically fine work as the seedy Bones Darley, an arms dealer and Billy's father. Additionally, Aisha Tyler brings a steady resolve to the underwritten part of Detective Wallis, while Kelly Preston is great, though underutilised, in the all-too-small role of Helen, Nick's wife.

In short, although perhaps not as consistently anti-violence as Brian Garfield would have liked, James Wan's 'Death Sentence' is still a solid piece of work. Boasting fine cinematography and well-choreographed action, as well as strong performances, it is quite entertaining. Despite some underwritten supporting characters, and a comparatively straightforward and weak third act, there is plenty of life in 'Death Sentence'.

Nothing new and exciting here for what is fast becoming a tired old genre, but boasting the considerable talents of Kevin Bacon in the lead role, Death Sentence is way above average and never outstays its welcome. Nick Hume & his son Brendan stop at a gas station one night and a violent turn of events transforms Nick into a maelstrom of fury...

Asking the question of just what lengths we would go to to look after our families, Death Sentence is merely following on from the likes of Death Wish and Eye For An Eye. But here the violence is upped to such a gruesome standard, it creates maximum impact. Yet it's not the violence that leaves the lasting impression, it's the descent of the main protagonist that terrifies the most. A humble and decent man spiralling out of control, done down by the system, he finds darkness within him that he surely didn't know he had.

Some sequences here are excellent and well staged by director James Wan, and he shows considerable skill with his fluid camera. But these things tend to get over looked in a film of this type. Elsewhere, although we are asked to swallow the impossible for one too many occasions, and the cops are stupid beyond belief, the film does find a couple of narrative tricks to also keep it out of formulaic tedium. Kevin Bacon deserves better than this for sure, but he's great in the dual role and as revenge thrillers go, in case I haven't violently rammed home the point yet, this really hits the mark. Kind of like a kick in the privates really. 7/10

Loved the premise and characters, i found the shootouts and chases well done, Kevin Bacon totally gives off the perfect performance as Max Payne but as a different character, but the only criticism is the amount of gang members, i wanted just more so we can see what Nick's got in store for the rest of the gang fully. With the amount of stuff James Wan can do nicely that is also a revenge film hell even the actual Max Payne movie could not ever do or give what this movie gave me, yet with smartness Nick Humes got, he should be part as one of the greatest characters in revenge films totally a great adaptation for the author.

This is pretty run of the mill movie, that feels like a typical 90s production. Kevin Bacon is very solid, as he comes from sixth to the first degree with a lot of deserving pun ks. One sequence of organized and determined action towards the end is particularly inspired and/or inspiring, and John Goodman is very good, though his role is, like much of the movie, thin plot-wise. The movie falls rather flat and is quite formulaic with the setup, and you have to part with logic on one place too many along the way in the story. Still, a decent entertainment value that trumps the many annoying, intel ligence insu lting elements.

I thought this movie was great. I think Bacon never fails to perform. The movies he picks to do show a lot of his depth as he very rarely plays a one dimensional character. There was a story to this movie. A very complicated story. If you didn't notice the story you got distracted by the violence. Some of the dialogue was cheesy but that is what makes it great.

The only problem I had with the film was the detective role. She seemed to serve zero purpose whatsoever. I am not taking away from the acting done for that role. But every scene she was in was slower and just did not fit with the rest of the movie. Other then acting as a very short winded inner monologue for Bacon's character, all she did was say no no, your safe, they're dead, and no.

We all knew where this movie was going we didn't need the attempt to turn into a crime drama.

If you did not like this movie you went into it expecting the wrong thing. This is a revenge movie. It had no supernatural parts. When someone was shot they bled a lot and they were in pain.

If you ever wanted to exact revenge on someone in your own mind or in your dreams go see this movie it is great.