Perfectly Average

Rating: 5/10 (15 June 2019)

This movie came and went quietly from my personal perspective but for a certain demographic this movie was a smash. I work at a video store and I can't count the number of times people ask for it, are frustrated we are out of it, or ask if the new one (which is just now releasing in theaters) is out on DVD yet.
Now that the new on is dropping, I thought I would see what the fuss is about. After all, just because it had flown under MY radar didn't mean it was bad.
I would love to say that this movie was outstanding but it wasn't. I'd love to rant about how terrible it was, but it wasn't. It was just a solidly made movie that doesn't do anything really outstanding.
It's the sort of movie that fills video shelves, that gets made because we demand more entertainment and no one can keep up. I don't really understand why people were so gaga for it.
Even if you like any part of this movie, there are other movies that do that thing better. If you like the fight scenes, "John Wick" is better. If you like the saving of the girl in it, "You Were Never Really Here" or "Taken" does that better. If you like the Russian mob stuff, "Eastern Promises" is better. If you like Antoine Fuqua or Denzel Washington, "Training Day" is better.
Literally, the only reasons I can think of to see this movie are if you are a Denzel Washington completionist or if you'll just see anything he's in.
I know I'm going to end up seeing the sequel (probably because I'll need to review it) but I don't really know why. There is nothing in this film that demands one, thought it left room open for one. I suppose every aging actor has to try and Liam Neeson it these days, but I don't expect it to be any better than "Taken 2."