Man on Fire

I quite enjoyed this action flick which stars Denzel Washington. Washington is, of course, a class actor, and in this film he is alongside Christopher Walken and some excellent Latin American actors. The film is set in Mexico where the wealthy and elite face risks from kidnapping to the extent that they have insurance against it, which requires them to have a bodyguard. In financial difficulties Samuel Ramos (Marc Antoine aka Mr J. Lopez), hires Creasy (Washington) to be responsible for his daughter, Pita and his American wife, Lisa. Creasy has an impeccable resume but has a drinking problem which Ramos is aware of but asks that it is kept from Lisa. Emotionless Creasy eventually warms to the daughter and gets involved in her life. He tries to head off a kidnap attempt (killing two corrupt Police officers involved) , but Pita is too scared to run when she sees that he has been shot and is snatched.

The film gets fast paced as Creasy takes revenge on the kidnappers and all those who stood to profit from it. At points you need to suspend your disbelief at the actions of this one man superhero, but the setting of Mexico City and the corruption makes for fascinating viewing.

6.5/10