Writer: Sylvester Stallone (Screenplay) Chuck Logan (Novel)
Starring: Jason Statham, James Franco, Izabela Vidovic, Kate Bosworth, Marcus Hester, Clancy Brown, Winona Ryder, Omar Benson Miller, Rachelle Lefevre, Frank Grillo
Plot: When a bust goes wrong for DEA agent Phil Broker (Statham), he decides to move to a quieter lifestyle. Along with is daughter Maddy (Vidovic), But when a school bully pushes her too far, she fights back Phil gets called in to answer questions. Furious parents Cassie Bodine (Bosworth) and Jimmy Klum (Hester) approach him about the action and get the same treatment.
Looking for more of their own justice Cassie gets in contact with her brother Morgan ‘Gator’ Bodine (Franco) the local meth drug lord. When Morgan learns about Broker’s past, what starts as a simple set of mind games turns into a deadly battle to survive after Morgan sees a chance to make his business grow he reaches out to people from Broker’s past. Deadly Cyrus Hanks (Grillo) kidnaps Maddy, Phil uses all his skills to get her back and make the people pay for what they have done.
Verdict: No nonsenses action
Story: When you hear the outline of this story you will feel like you know what to expect in the end. One of the strong points for the story is that it lets it all brew up before finally unleashing it all at once. This could be a negative for some stories but for this one it works because of Broker character that is only about self-defence. The whole thing starts from something so very petty but the escalation takes it from a small feud and turns in to a war. In the end this is a simple story that gives action fans enough to enjoy. (8/10)
Actor Reviews
Jason Statham: Phil the DEA agent who wants a quiet simple life with his daughter. When his old life gets caught up on him he has to bring back his old ways to save his family. Good performance from Jason doing what he does best. (8/10)
James Franco: Morgan the small time meth drug lord wanting to make it big and once he finds a way he loses control of the situation. Good performance from Franco who steps into the crazy role ambitious role with ease. (8/10)
Izabela Vidovic: Maddy the daughter of Phil who has self-defence skills that lead her into trouble. Good performance from the young actress. (7/10)
Director Review: Gary Fleder – Good direction showing how to make a very good action thriller with a happy ending. (8/10)
Action: Plenty of action be it fights, gun battles or chases. (9/10)
Crime: Good elements of crime using a former DEA agent as lead. (8/10)
Thriller: Good thriller as it builds up nicely before unleashing it all. (9/10)
Settings: Good settings that offer a remote idea but don’t truly change the films overall feel. (8/10)
Special Effects: (/10)
Suggestion: This is one for the action junkies it will fill all the marks for them, but the casual non action fan will not enjoy this too much. (Action Junkies Watch)
Best Part: Most of Statham’s fights.
Worst Part: It all ends up being over reaction that starts it all.
Action Scene Of The Film: The attack on the Broker’s house.
Believability: People will go to measure to protect their family. (3/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Yes it could.
Post Credits Scene: No
Awards: None
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $43,058,898
Budget: $22million
Runtime: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
Tagline: How far would you go to protect your home?
Trivia: originally developed screenplay for Rambo film series.
Overall: Good Old School Action
Rating