Tony Scott attempts to ruin a good movie

Rating: 8/10 (17 July 2004)

Man on Fire is an excellent action movie with well developed characters and a fast moving plot line that never bogs down. I felt Denzel Washington's performance was as solid as his turn in the overrated Training Day. It is heartwarming to see a character who starts with nothing in his life to be happy about and nothing really to live for, find a purpose and a peace in protecting and spending his days with a little girl. The worst part about the movie is the directing of Tony Scott, who does everything in his power to distract you from the characters on the screen with camera tricks and over-direction of the film. Had Scott used a more straight forward directoral approach, the film in general and the performances by Dakota Fanning and Denzel would have received more praise. Definitely worth your time to check out an action film with some heart and soul.