“Death Sentence” (20th Century Fox)
Vigilante Justice One More Time
Back in 1974 Charles Bronson had a career resurgence of sorts when he starred in the film “Death Wish.” In the film he played a respectable businessman who suffered a tragedy in his family. This led him to opt for vigilante justice. This scenario struck a chord with movie audiences and made the film a hit.
Now thirty-something years later Kevin Bacon has a new movie out titled “Death Sentence.” In it he plays a man who suffers a family tragedy that leads him to opt for vigilante justice. And once again this theme might strike a chord with today’s moviegoers. Point of interest – both “Death Wish” and “Death Sentence” are based on Brian Garfield stories, perhaps the same one.
Nick Hume (Bacon) is a businessman who has an almost idyllic life. He loves his wife Helen (Kelly Preston) and is a good father to their two sons Brendan (Stuart Lafferty) and Lucas (Jordan Garrett). One night he and Brendan are on their way home from a hockey game. When they stop to get gas Brendan goes inside the store. While there some local thugs burst in and he is murdered.
Nick blames himself for Brendan’s death, and when he learns the killer may only get three to five years he decides to take matters into his own hands. This sets off a war between him and the gang that killed his son. The local police detective (Aisha Tyler) warns him to back off but he is out of control.
“Death Sentence” is a violent, predictable film that plays to our most basic fears, especially that one about being unable to protect our families. For this reason Nick Hume comes across as a hero of sorts. We may not condone what he does but we do cheer for him all the way.
Bacon is very good in the role of Nick. He has the haunted, hungry for revenge look in his eyes and you wouldn’t want him coming your way. He also handles the more emotional elements of the role.
Preston, Garrett and Lafferty are all good in their roles but they do not make the impact Bacon does. Garrett Hedlund is more impressive as the gang thug who meets Nick head to head. John Goodman is startling as the gun dealer who is more involved in the violence than you might think.
The film is rated R for violence and profanity.
“Death Sentence” is a predictable film but an exciting one. It draws us in with its violence and holds our interest to the final scene. We know the justice being meted out is vigilante justice but on screen we just don’t care.
I scored “Death Sentence” a lawless 5 out of 10.
