The bear has turned, and he's packing heat

Rating: Null/10 (27 July 2004)

Browsing over comments, how disappointed i was to see people sucked in with a couple of the lesser points of the film, rather in its entirety being a excellent film with some very well thought out moments.
Washington again goes out his natural self playing 'Creasy Bear', a man and ex-assassin having lost the will to life, only to be saved by the small girl he is trying to protect. The moments of torment in the film, and the quiet will to take care of matters after they have gone down all but showing why this man is a heavyweight in the Hollywood A-List. Granted, the role was nearly completely typecast for him, but just because a glove is tailor made doesn't mean it doesn't do a great job.
Little Dakota Fanning playing her role with a maturity some adult actors can even get right was almost a slap in the face with surprise, but a welcome one at that. Her bond with Washington truly one of the high points of the film, and that in time we'll only see her more and more.
Spoiler alert so bare with me. Some reviewers have talked about the movie being too depressing, which to tell you the truth is a joke. Too long has Hollywood tried to stick to the tried and true methods of 'Happy Endings' and that the good guy always wins and goes home happy. Its the depression this film places on the end that is refreshing as is some of the editing work. The morales that society carries do leave you feeling sad, but not all stories are made of sunshine, and why this films choice was a welcome one.
Special effects and editing again one of the main things of this films talk. The use of text upon the screen a nice touch to drive home key points in the film, but sometimes a little overdone. There was also some talk of people being unable to understand half the time what was going on, i'd have to ask if they rival Forrest Gumps' IQ. The film was clearly set out, able to be understood and watching it through a second time, you'll be able to see some of the earlier conversations undertone kept the story toward the end true.
Another quick mention is the score of this film. Keeping with the theme of the location and of the drama taking place, from rave scene heavy to the quiet lone piano as the kidnapping fell into place, shall be one to look for in store.