Death Sentence

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: August 31, 2007

7.8	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 179 Ratings

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grandpajoe6191Sep 25, 2011

Kevin Bacon is just the best revenge dad I've seen to current date. His performance begs to differ in "Death Sentence". Unfortunately, the movie's lethargic script and uninspiring dialogue doesn't.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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TheQuietGamerDec 9, 2017

Director James Wan made a name for himself with the low-budget hit "Saw." However, it wasn't until the 2010-2013 era of his career that he reached true mainstream appeal and established himself as one of the biggest names in modern horrorDirector James Wan made a name for himself with the low-budget hit "Saw." However, it wasn't until the 2010-2013 era of his career that he reached true mainstream appeal and established himself as one of the biggest names in modern horror with the like of Insidious and The Conjuring. Since then has branched to even bigger and better things by placed at the helm of big-budget action films, such as entry in the Fast & Furious series and the upcoming Aquaman. Before all of that though, there was a period following his work on Saw where he made some movies that arguably aren't among the most noteworthy of his work. Death Sentence is one of them.

It's a pretty standard revenge flick. Mild-mannered "Nick Hume" (Kevin Bacon) sets out for revenge on the gangsters who killed his son. A compelling idea, but the movie ultimately suffers from overly-emotional melodrama that misses the mark by being too cheesy. The soundtrack is embarrassingly bad and the acting is subpar across the board. Bacon manages to show off a few good moments of genuine despair, but really the only people worth watching onscreen are John Goodman in a particularly humorous role and Edi Gathegi, the only gangster who can act. This sort of thing isn't helped by the surprisingly amateurish direction from Wan in any scene other than the action ones, where he does manage to show of some clever camera angles and fun, gory kills. The visuals try to go for a more artistic approach with grainy visuals, but instead the whole thing just looks like it was shot on a handheld. Once the action really starts going there is some fun to be had. Provided you can really suspend your disbelief that is. These are some of the least-threatening gangsters ever portrayed onscreen. Right from the get go they are constantly outsmarted and over-powered by out everyday, briefcase-toting protagonist who despite likely never having been in a fight in his life, has the moves of an action hero when the bullets start flying. It's ridiculous to the extreme. Now, Death Sentence isn't necessarily bad. Or at least not in this reviewer's opinion. It's not an entirely well-executed film. There are moments where it's got something going for it. Unfortunately, it's never a brain. As a result what we are left with is a very talented director's weakest film (at least so far). If you're a James Wan superfan like myself, this is worth watching just for the history lesson on the man's career. Longtime of fans of the Death Wish series might also get a kick out of this, as it's based on the book that serves as a sequel to the first Death Wish. For everyone else this is worthy of a skip. A weak and largely idiotic revenge action-thriller with only a handful of truly good moments.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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SEROJMar 12, 2013

I liked this movie,because that's what i would do if someone try to do something to my family. It's too emotional and sad but i still recommend it. My score 6/10

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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VinceFJun 13, 2009

This movie is strange. It tries to act like it has a point but it's just a bloodbath dressed up with a shmaltzy soundtrack. This movie has some genuine surprises and some fairly decent acting (although John Goodman's part is This movie is strange. It tries to act like it has a point but it's just a bloodbath dressed up with a shmaltzy soundtrack. This movie has some genuine surprises and some fairly decent acting (although John Goodman's part is unfortunately stupid). If you suspend your disbelief and prepare to be bored for about 15 minutes out of the movie, it's a decent popcorn flick. This film just tries a little too hard and ends up leaving you confused.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

juliankleissJan 7, 2011

Suggests that acts of revenge might make a really bad situation even worse. A few gripping moments, no happy ending. ---------------------------------

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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MattBrady99Jul 14, 2020

"Keeping it all normal and keeping us together is my first priority. Then I fit films into my life."

I'm devastated to hear the news of Kelly Preston passing. Beautiful woman.

Cancer is a ****

Condolences to her family and friends.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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