Utterly brilliant

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 2004)

I just saw this movie on opening night and it literally felt like a swift kick to my male genitals. The subtext and dramatic flow were timed in such an even fashion that it made me flashback to the hard hitting dramas of the past that felt more like a roller coaster of human emotions rather than entertainment. Denzel and Fanning played their roles to a high mirror shine, and the contradiction of "the good guy has to do good things" was thankfully shattered as Washington's John Creasy tore through worthless kingpins and corrupt cops like a lawnmower through dry grass. Walken also, although is part is minute had some of the best lines from the film as well as Rhada Mitchell's dead on portrayal as Fanning's loving mother was simply haunting and resonant. Creasy's character flaws are inevitably what makes him a flawless character.