NOW ON DVD

DEATH SENTENCE
Rated R
Kevin Bacon, Garrett Hedlund, Kelly Preston

Brian’s Rating       

I’ve got a pretty good idea which movies Kevin Bacon watched in preparation for his role in Death Sentence, now on DVD, a tale of vigilante justice that pits a mild-mannered insurance executive against a bunch of gang thugs.

In addition to all of Charles Bronson’s Death Wish movies, I’m betting he watched Taxi Driver as well, and you’ll know what I’m talking about if you choose to sit through this violent mess.

Frankly, I really can’t recommend it. Bacon’s character is supposed to be a fervent family man but in seeking his revenge, he places his wife and teenage son in such danger that you have to wonder if he is careless, clueless, or just plain stupid.

More to the point, his instant transformation from pencil pusher to pistol-toting pugilist is a little hard to swallow. We’ve seen Bacon play tough guys before, so if that’s your only motivation, rent The River Wild instead.