An action film for people who don't like action films...

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2006)

Every now and then something comes along that transcends its genre. This is such a film. The plot summary reads like every ridiculous Charles Bronson vigilante revenge flick you hated in the 1980's, or like half a dozen over-hyped efforts by Mel Gibson for that matter. And in most respects this film does not strive for much more: don't look to it for "deeper significance." Do look to it for a shining example of what the genre could be, in the hands of a serious director. The slightly edgy, stylized editing (rapid scene changes, copious cuts, black-and-white flashback stills, and even occasional subtitling in varying fonts and sizes) seems informed by a music video sensibility,but is effective and not at all annoying. Washington's performance is pitch perfect; he is entirely believable as a haunted soul slowly healed by the innocence of his charming child client. And the young Flanning is affecting in a way few child stars have ever been. In short, this film steers a wide berth around the action genre's most common pratfall: unlike 99% of action movies, we actually care about the characters in this film, and while they are in jeopardy--basically the whole film--we cannot peel our eyes from the screen. If you are like me, in that you cannot recall enjoying an action film since Luc Besson's "Leon," then "Man on Fire" is definitely the film for you.