Pretty decent Denzel flick

Rating: 8/10 (19 October 2004)

(But then, aren't pretty much ALL his flicks pretty decent?). Anyway, this is your basic action film, and it has a goodly bit of it. I thought the beginning was a bit too long. I realize the importance of creating a bond between the the bodyguard (Denzel Washington) and the subject being guarded (Dakota Fanning). However, I thought they took just a few minutes too long to establish that relationship. I don't know how they could have cut it down and still made it work, but basically, I believe the film starts a bit too slowly. The plot has been hashed over several times, so there are no spoilers here. Once the kidnap plot against the girl (Fanning) actually occurs, the action picks up nicely. There is gratuitous violence, torture, death and, of course, lots of shooting. The film doesn't drag once the action starts, and can definitely keep the viewer interested. I enjoyed the film overall, especially after getting through the slower and overlong beginning. Denzel puts in his usual excellent performance. Look for good work also from Rutger Hauer and Dakota Fanning. Overall worth a watch but very violent. Not for the kiddies.