Even though Franco wouldn't be someone that go head-to-head with Statham but he must have enjoyed playing the antagonist here.
What I liked was that the concept went back to the simplicity of a tough guy protecting his family. There's no over-the-top scenario, just thugs and fist fights. And Statham is his best at this. Every time he got into a fight, I found myself really rooting for him to kick ass.
I can see elements of a Sylvester Stallone's work here too. It felt like something Stallone would have done himself. Probably because of his age so now he's writing for his next best option.
I almost didn't recognise Kate Bosworth, who must have lost some weight for this role. She really looked the part, so much so that her natural beauty was hidden at first sight. Winona Ryder was a surprise addition. I wouldn't have picked her for this role as I didn't think it did her justice or it her. Then again, she's not getting a lot of job these days.
But I was most impressed with young Izabela Vidovic whose acting was impeccable and had this emotional depth that reminded me of younger Dakota Fanning. I think she did her best with what she had to do.
I had no problems with the story and development until there was this explosion that went off and a lot of flaws surfaced and the shortcomings of the director showed too. What followed immediately after the explosion was messy and chaotic, and I couldn't tell what was going on.
Other than that, I quite enjoyed this small budget, quiet movie. Franco didn't need to do this, but he did.
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