Man On Fire Reviews

Denzel Washington in his usual form

As usual with Denzel Washington, you get an engaging story (certainly by action film standards, anyway).

This is not as good as the gripping and thrilling Fallen, my favourite Denzel Washington movie, but it is still well worth watching - assuming violence doesn't put you off. There is a lot of violence, mostly implied and out of shot, but some of it is not left to the imagination. Given the subject matter (a washed up (ex-special forces) body guard working in Mexico City whose charge - a little girl - is kidnapped) I think the violence was inevitable.

The film was perhaps a touch long, which slowed the pace, and occasionally lapses into sentimentality, with one or two aspects to the story which lack credibility, or I would have given it five stars.

Definitely a must see, though.

Better then your average action flick!

Man on Fire wasn't that well received when it came out, it was criticised for being over-stylish and reviewers felt this got in the way of the plot.

Well, yes the film is very stylish, anyone familiar with Tony Scott previous films, i.e. Enemy of the State will know what to expect, (lots of colour filters, interesting camera work, edgy cuts), and he really has gone for it with Man on Fire, with mixed results.

Washington as normal is top class and Walken does his effortless scene stealing act. One of the best performances of the film is from Dakota Fanning, who in my opinion is one of the best child actors of recent times and a future big star.

On the whole the story/plot is engrossing and entertaining and the action is fantastic, even if it is sometimes a bit hard to swallow. A small criticism is Scott’s arty techniques which distract you in some of the important scenes.

If you like your action films to have edge and be a little bit different then I very much recommend this film!

More Than Just Revenge

This, on the face of it, is just another 'Man Alone' revenge movie. But don't be put off, there's far more to this than the cover blurb suggest.

The chemistry between the two leads and the sensitive and controlled acting of Denzel Washington make this a far more satisfying film than the usual Hollywood Actioner. Yes, there are enough bullets, bombs and violence to keep the most ardent action fan happy but the under-current is a far more subtle tale of trust, 'love' and the redemption of a lost soul.

Watch it, it's worth the effort.

You simply have to watch this film, it is excellent. A Hitman "troubled" that drinks allot, is hired to protect a young girl (she teaches him to care again). She gets kidknapped and he turns back to the deadly killer that he was to seek her revenge. I know it sounds cheesy but honestly its excellent. It has a really good feel to it, very upbeat.

It is violent, but i hate really gorey films. This is incredibly well done. You feel for the characters. Denzel is amazing but the star really is the young girl. THIS FILM IS NOT TO BE MISSED. I WOULD SAY THE BEST IVE WATCHED ALL YEAR.

Full of pace

I thought this was a great action/thriller,it was full of pace and action.Very violant in places a must see for denziel fans

Washington always watchable.

Another engaging performance by Denzel Washington, as a man with a violent past (although we never find out much about it, and that adds to the complexity of his character).

Employed as the babysitter to a young girl in Mexico, Washington goes on a revenge hunt when his charge is kidnapped. The violence exacted is exaggerated by the calm and professional manner in which it is committed. Good cast (great cameo from Christopher Walken) and plenty of plot twists.

Well worth a look.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Performer on fire!

There's no doubting Denzil Washington deserves more than the one Academy Award that he's received. This performance was more worthy than Training Day.

Vengance is GOOD!

Extremely pleasantly suprised to enjoy this film. I'm not a huge fan of Tony Scott, but his directing in this film was superb. The soundtrack was great and all the leading actors pulled off some impressive performances. The story was the weakest point as I felt it offered nothing original but very few films these days can claim to have new ideas. If you like films like 'Dead Man's Shoes' or 'Falling Down', then this film may be for you.

one of the finest movies I have seen

Certainly one of the finest movies I have seen for quite some time. Exquisite direction and flawless acting make this a very entertaining and often moving film. Denzel Washington plays one of his most engaging and emotional roles to date, and the rest of the cast perform beautifully. Christopher Walken is of course superb in his part although he did not appear as often as I would have liked. A story of ultimate greed that backfires is offset against a childs innocence and love. This is also a film for action movie lovers as it has its fair share of bullets, rockets and revenge. The location of Mexico City adds a feel of seediness and corruption which in itself is an eye opener. All in all, a truly gripping film from beginning to end. Highly recommended!

Wow

Ya can't go wrong with Denzel. Stunningly entertaining film, the first hour gets you to know and understand the characters (Dakota Fanning is a great little actress) the second part sees Denzels character turn into a right nasty avenging angel.

Not gonna say no more but sit back and enjoy a quality director, quality stars, starring in a quality film.