Over violent formula revenge movie

Rating: 5/10 (8 May 2005)

Cast is good - Denzel, Christopher Walken, Rhada Mitchell (Australian actress), Dakota Fanning, Mickey Rourke. It is filmed well, nice shots, good soundtrack, edgy editing, but the plot is thin, formulaic and the so-called 'action' is just an excuse for bloody violence. The five out of ten is for the cinematography and soundtrack. The shots of Mexico are lovely. But I don't understand why we need so much blood - is it to make a point? I also don't understand why Denzel would want to do such a movie when he has already won Oscars and other plaudits for his obvious acting skill. The violence takes over the acting and all you see is people's hands, ears, heads, etc etc being chopped off and people shot, etc etc.