Harry Brown

Release Date: April 30th, 2010

Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller

Stars: Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, David Bradley

Synopsis: An elderly ex-Marine takes the law into his own hands when escalating street violence takes the life of his dear friend.

AltAss Ratings (On a scale of 1 to 5 asses)

Plot & Writing:                        

Could have used some more confrontation and other elements that typically make revenge pictures interesting and entertaining.

Acting:                                        

Michael Caine is a master of his craft and does not disappoint in the portrayal of the protagonist's emotions and motives.  Emily Mortimer is underrated and does well in her role also but the dude who plays her partner is a no talent hack.  The actors who play the bit parts of the street kids and junkies are excellent.

Originality:                              

The revenge picture is original by no means but this picture attempts to capture a side of it less illuminated although I'm not sure it quite succeeds or if that side has nearly as much entertainment value than the more traditional take.

Overall:                                    

There is a moment near the end of this film where it is suggested that violence and killing is senseless regardless of who is carrying it out or why because it only leads to more violence and killing.  Had this tenet been embraced as the purpose and message of the movie "Harry Brown", it might have been worth sitting through a revenge movie with very little action due to the geriatric status of its lead actor.  But since the ultimate message is to do unto bad people what they have done unto your family, friends, and other random strangers, you may as well rent "Kill Bill" instead.