Fanning on Fire.

Rating: 6/10 (4 June 2015)

Man on Fire (2004): Dir: Tony Scott / Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Rachael Ticotin, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony: Action film that starts out well but ends not so well. It regards revenge in its most unpleasant. Denzel Washington plays a former assassin smitten by guilt and resorts to alcohol until he is assigned to protect a young girl played by Dakota Fanning. As predicted Fanning will break Washington's barrier. Then she is kidnapped leaving him unconscious with bullet wounds. What is truly disturbing is the climax upon climax third act where Washington pursues those responsible for the kidnapping and murder of the Fanning character and the revenge he obtains in the most heinous sense. Director Tony Scott presents realism yet there is nothing short on its lead performance that stands out in this film. Excellent work by Washington who goes from grief to a hint of joy until that joy is removed giving way to vengeance. Fanning is a fine young talent but her appearance is pretty straight forward presenting nothing less than expected. Rachael Ticotin as an aiding journalist steals her moments. Radha Mitchell as Fanning's mother is underused. Marc Anthony plays Fanning's father who hires Washington on to protect her. Not as good as it should have been but it does carry a great theme regarding bodyguard duties and the flames of revenge. Score: 6 / 10