Standard stuff lifted by surprisingly subtle acting

Rating: 7/10 (11 April 2005)

I didn't fancy this film but was recommended it and the first half truly surprised me. It starts out somewhat low key and the the way the relationship between Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning is built up is very well handled and believably done. Great acting by both, and Fanning in particular: she can pull off cute without being schmaltzy or annoying, whilst also coming across as genuine. A big future awaits... However, from the turning point half way through it descends into formulaic Hollywood 'must kill the nasty Mexicans!' revenge stuff, and has been done better in other films. Overall worth seeing for some excellent acting and some touching moments before the guns start firing and the bombs start going off.