“Death Sentence” gets a thumb up. I have to say that I need to take back my view about poor movies released in August. Now I know that this wasn’t released in August but it was pre-Labor day which means it can be lumped into August. The acting was great. Kevin Bacon is very good and it was demonstrated very well in the first 30 minutes of the movie, which was very intense. The main villain, played by Garrett Hedlund, gave a great performance. The visuals of the movie were really interesting. It was filmed in a grainy quality and the lighting of the movie was generally dark. I thought these two complemented the movie really well. The general story of the movie, *Spoiler Alert*, was a normal suburban father and his star athlete son were downtown when his son became a victim of an initiation murder to which he, Nick Hume (Kevin Bacon), was the only eye-witness. After a series of events, his son’s killer is set loose. This leads Nick to seek out and “murder” his son’s killer. Unfortunately the boy that Nick just killed happened to the brother of a gang leader. The gang leader tries to kill Nick only to loose one of his own. Soon Nick’s family is in the cross hairs and the movie ends with Nick going after the whole gang, which was about 5 other guys. It is a sad gang. *End Spoiler Alert* The visuals added to the emotions of the story which isn’t happy. I also liked this movie because it seemed realistic and over the top at the same time. The events that occurred seemed realistic to what someone would do/go through if they were subjected to what the main character was put through. It seemed over the top because it had some cliché moments like a gun montage, which was cool. This movie was intense all the way which brings me to some cautions. This movie was violent but I don’t think it was ridiculous violence it just showed it. For example, when you take a shotgun and shoot someone at the knee at close range, the bottom half of the leg will be separated. Now I don’t think that is an example of exaggerated violence but while some movies won’t show it, this one does. This isn’t surprising when the director of this movie also directed “Saw.”
Young's Review
There may never have been a more aptly titled film than 'Death Sentence'. The name says it all. Strap on your seatbelt and get ready for a violent ride.
I am giving this movie a thumbs up. I say this despite the fact that it is graphically, and at times uncomfortably, violent. I thought the movie was well done from a cinematic standpoint. Director James Wan's use of dark colors and grainy textures gave this movie a gritty realism. Kevin Bacon's portrayal of vengeful father Nick Hume further proves why he is one of Hollywood's most underrated actors. Garrett Hedlund (Friday Night Lights) also showed off his versatility as an actor in the role of angonist Billy Zarley, which was a major departure from his previous work.
The hand held camera work brought a palpable sense of tension to the action sequences. The scene where Zarley and his gang are chasing Hume through the streets ranks as one of the most suspenseful chases ever captured on film.
Overall, I liked the movie. The overload of violence and the inevitably depressing ending, however, are what keeps me from calling this movie great. If you have a taste for shoot'em up or revenge flicks, this movie is for you.
Other Kevin Bacon Movies
Other Garrett Hedlund Movies
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