Silent but deadly

Rating: 6/10 (23 October 2014)

Some films are a triumph of style over content. This isn't exactly a triumph but Antoine Fuqua directs with a panache that the ludicrous plot and risible dialogue don't merit. There's a highly enjoyable showdown in the US equivalent of Homebase, with nail guns, electric drills, strimmers and a variety of power tools being used to murderous effect. The heavies are a mix of corrupt Boston cops and assorted Russian mafia, the latter sporting villainous facial hair and scary tattoos. They're no match for Denzel Washington, however, even though he's looking a little on the paunchy side. In a finale that manages to be more unlikely than what's gone before, he takes a short trip to Moscow to finish off the main heavy, one Vladimir Pushkin, no less. Daft but highly watchable.