I’ve just watched the DVD “Man on Fire” and have to say I found it riveting. In fact it was so enthralling that I feel the need to blog about it; something I’ve not done about a film before. Basically it’s a revenge flick caused by the kidnapping of John Creasy’s (Denzel Washington) young charge. The first third of the movie provides an insight into John Creasy’s background and his new relationship with Pita (Dakota Fanning) and the remainder details Creasy’s revenge on all who were involved with or profited from her abduction.

This is an incredibly powerful film primarily due to the performances from Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning. Denzel’s acting abilities are well known but I’ve also been a fan of Dakota since she appeared in “Taken”. It has to be said that there is a fair bit of violence during the revenge part but I don’t think it’s over the top. In fact, due to the events in the film, you end up actively wanting Creasy to take extreme action. I won’t spoil it by telling you what happens – you need to watch it for yourself.

There are a number of points that make this film stand out. Firstly the pace; once the kidnap takes place nothing detracts from Creasy’s primary objective. There is no side story, no “relationship” getting in the way. Actually, if you watch the deleted scenes then he was supposed to hook up with Pita’s mother and I’m glad Tony Scott stuck to the main story. Secondly, the sound track is perfect. Almost every scene has music and it compliments the action on screen. My particular favourite is the rave scene – a wall of sound, not much dialogue and a load of action. The cinematography and subtitle overlays are just as effective. Finally the ending matches the mood exactly. I was expecting the usual “Hollywood ending” – main character succeeds against all odds to save the day. Well thankfully the finale isn’t ruined by an implausible conclusion and the ending is more in line with the rest of the picture. Even the alternate ending fits (do watch it in the extras) but I prefer the one chosen for the final cut.

OK, that’s all I have to say. Go watch the film and let me know if you agree.