Director: Eli Roth
Writers: Joe Carnahan (screenplay by), Brian Garfield (from the novel by)
Stars: Bruce Willis, Vincent D’Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone and Dean Norris

“In the world of vigilante films, the past decade has offered a mixed bag of cinematic experiences. Back in 2007, we witnessed Jodie Foster’s ‘The Brave One,’ which felt in tune with the classic vigilante storyline, while Kevin Bacon’s ‘Death Sentence’ leaned more towards revenge. But, standing as the genre’s stalwarts in recent times, these two films remained unparalleled.

However, the concept of a vigilante seeking justice isn’t new. The original ‘Death Wish’ featuring Charles Bronson remains a memorable entry, as it followed the transformation of Paul Kersey, a New York architect, into a one-man avenger after a tragic incident.

Fast forward to the present day, and we have a new rendition of ‘Death Wish,’ with Bruce Willis stepping into the shoes of Dr. Paul Kersey, an accomplished surgeon dedicated to saving lives. After a brutal attack leaves his wife dead and daughter comatose, he embarks on a mission for personal justice.

This latest iteration hews closely to the original plot, and Bruce Willis, in a pleasant surprise, delivers a nuanced and well-crafted performance. Instead of unleashing his inner John McClane, he patiently takes the character from a grieving man to a relentless force. The transition is neither forced nor rushed, making it all the more impressive.

Willis brings out the authentic sorrow and turmoil of the character, allowing us to empathize with Paul’s journey. Not to be overlooked, Dean Norris as Detective Kevin Raines and Kimberly Elise as Detective Leonore Jackson add depth to the narrative, portraying overwhelmed detectives faced with a rising tide of unsolved crimes.

As the story unfolds, we witness the turning point for Dr. Paul Kersey, when he decides to take the law into his own hands after realizing the limitations of the police force. The film, ‘Death Wish’ (2018), faced backlash during its promotion, primarily due to its portrayal of heavy weapon use and its timing in a climate of debates over gun control in the United States, following tragic mass shootings. The film’s low-key promotion could be attributed to this controversy.

Eli Roth, known for his work in the horror genre, took on the challenge of directing this film, stepping out of his comfort zone. ‘Death Wish’ presents a vigilante’s emergence into a world filled with danger, evoking thoughts of Marvel’s Luke Cage and his impact on his community. The film successfully strikes a balance between action and drama, all the while provoking viewers to question what they would do in Kersey’s shoes.

In the end, ‘Death Wish’ (2018) managed to surpass expectations, offering an old-school action film reminiscent of the classics. Bruce Willis deserves commendation for his portrayal of a relatable character, while Eli Roth skillfully sets the tone for the film. In short, ‘Death Wish’ proves to be a thrilling, thought-provoking watch that entertains and engages. Highly recommended.”

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