In this lengthy but often gripping thriller, Denzel Washington excels as an alcoholic, burned-out former US government operative, who reluctantly takes a job in Mexico City as the bodyguard to a young girl (the endearing Dakota Fanning) from a wealthy family. Director Tony Scott hits the right notes early on when Fanning's charm begins to win over her emotionally closed-off protector. Once the girl is kidnapped, however, this becomes a drawn-out revenge thriller that degenerates into a showcase of imaginative ultra-violence that has Washington systematically hunting down the perpetrators. Though the action is well choreographed, Scott's excessive reliance on gimmicky visual touches is distracting, undermining what could have been a compelling story.

Drifting into Mexico City, guilt ridden, suicidal and alchaholic ex CIA agent Creasy, superbly played by Denzel Washington, starts to find redemption and a reason to live in the form of equally good Dakota Fanning who he is hired to body guard. When she is kidnapped, his retribution is brutal and without mercy. This is a very violent film but it isn't violence for violences sake, it is integral to the plot and story line.

On another level this film is also about trust, faith and second chances and it works because of the high calibre acting and direction. The fragmented camera style with qiuck cuts and extreme close ups can be a little confusing but it's not a bad thing, it adds to the atmospheric feel of the film.

It is a film you will watch over and over and the Special 2 disc Edition the same price as the single disc, this makes it a must buy and excellent value for money.

Director and producer Tony Scott has colabarated with Denzel on prior occasions and produced some very good films(Crimson Tide and deja vu) but this is something else. As revenge movies go there is no better, fact. As action movies go this is top 10, fact. This is a true mater piece and within time it will be mentioned in the same breathe as other classics. Dakota Fanning is suberb and acts beyond her years again, as ex-CIA agent and alcoholic Denzel begins to get a new lease of life as her body gaurd. Only for her to be nabbed under his nose. Hence the revenge, and he does a very good job of it(note to self, dont annoy denzel washington) i think the 18 certificate is easily justified. One of the few films that is remade better than the original. Your missing out if you dont buy it, value for money aswell, you'll watch it over and over.