Red

source: Red

I can't believe no one has mentioned the formulaic ending this has, with the bad guys getting shot, just like every other revenge or 'out for justice' movie. Completely destroyed any credibility the movie had up until that point. People might say that its a case of the innocent parties (Harold) suffering as a result being somehow original, but once again, very predictable, just like the torching of the store right after the scene where Av drives by it. It's a shame too, because the movie was brilliant in setting up the characters, and built the tension beautifully. I don't believe the problem lies with the movie, but by the novel, assuming it's ending is similar. After seeing this and The Girl Next Door, it seems to me that Jack Ketchum's writing is somehow put on a pedestal by so many people, I'm definitely missing something here. I didn't realise it was based on his novel until the opening credits, should've known it would fall apart again. Just another 'out for justice' movie with some excellent performances.

I have seen Brian Cox in over a dozen films, including the Bourne Trilogy, but I doubt if I have ever seen as fine a performance as he gave in this film. he just wanted the truth, and damn those who try to hide it. You have to have had a dog and lost a dog to know the depths of feeling that was in Avery Ludlow (Cox). You have to have loved and lost to know what is important. You have to have sacrificed for others to hold the truth as high as Avery did. All his feelings and experiences made for a powerful story, and Cox delivered like I have never seen him do before. There were many other very good performances in this film as it built to an explosive climax, and a sweet ending.

I was going along with this movie fine enough for awhile but when it gets to the point that old Avery gives this insane back story about his 2 sons... it completely fell apart. For one thing, why would someone tell the reporter he has two sons, not he HAD two sons who luridly left this planet? Second, why would this guy idiotically keep pushing, involving the innocent brother of the psychopathic kid (and father) with his own experience to show him how little it might take to endanger that boy's life? It makes no sense at all unless he's as sick as the bad guys! And then the fact that it winds up with him learning his lesson, "Two boys are dead. I couldn't let it go!" Yeah and you knew full well before just as you do now that this is what probably could happen!!! Blah... This story was just bull... At least Angela Bettis wasn't involved, but she's in the next one... Sad to see someone so righteous and talented having to take this kind of work!!! :(