Death Sentence

horror / cult

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Nick Hume is a mild-mannered executive with a perfect life, until one gruesome night he witnesses something that changes him forever. Transformed by grief, Hume eventually comes to the disturbing conclusion that no length is too great when protecting his family.

"Saw director James Wan revitalises the urban vigilante thriller with this gripping and violent adaptation of the novel by Death Wish writer Brian Garfield. In a powerful, remarkably shaded performance, Kevin Bacon turns from mild-mannered executive to Taxi Driver-style avenger after his son is targeted by a bunch of hateful drug dealers during a gang initiation. The escalating violence and tit-for-tat retribution may seem far fetched, but Wan successfully draws out the ethical and moral dilemmas here, as the lines between good and evil are believably blurred. Pitting Bacon's middle-class family against a dysfunctional street clan pays terrific dramatic dividends, with John Goodman's chilling cameo as the gang leader's sleazy father creating further tortuous conflict. Wan's crafty, gritty direction sustains suspense throughout the gory action - notably in the breathless chase to the top of a tower parking lot." - Radio Times Review