Dr. Paul Kersey is an ER surgeon burning for revenge, to deliver justice for his family's assailants. Eli Roth's Death Wish is arguably more satisfying than revenge films The Equalizer (2014), Oldboy (2013) and on par with the great stylised John Wick (2014) in term of entertainment. Bruce Willis makes a triumphant return to top form as Paul Kersey in this fitting and timely remake of Death Wish. Willis reminds us he can act and not just turn up, this is a well produced on location feel action, unlike his recent low-par films and cameo-like performances.
Eli Roth offers one of his most conventional Hollywood-like movies to date, but includes his staple gore in a few moments throughout mostly dished out by Willis' slayings and some unconventional use of everyday weapons. The action thriller is fast paced with plenty of shootouts. Likeable Elisabeth Shue is fittingly cast as Kersey's wife, along side Vincent D'Onofrio as his brother. Notable are actors Camila Morrone is as Kersey's daughter and Breaking Bad's Dean Norris is cast as warm Detective Kevin Raines.
From a solid screenplay by Joe Carnahan based on Death Wish (1974) and Brian Garfield's Death Wish novel the film works within its own logic, the doctor come vigilante Willis character has an arc and manhunt aspect where the media debate whether he is a guardian angel or grim reaper gives weight to the intense drama. You could fit on a postage stamp what it has to say about gun crime and it socially sits on the fence, with Roth leaving it for the audience to decide what's right or wrong.
At the end of the day, it's an well made action revenge flick. Overall, one of Willis memorable roles to date, recommended.
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