About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning star in this intense thriller that even moviegoers who aren't into action films will find something to cheer about.



Pros

• Fast-paced, emotionally gripping thriller
• Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning are terrific

Cons

• There's a definite lack of bonus features, which is the only drawback to this DVD

Description

• Commentary by director Tony Scott
• Commentary by writer Brian Helgeland, producer Lucas Foster, actress Dakota Fanning

• Sneak Peeks of "Hide & Seek" and "Taxi"
• DVD Release Date: September 14, 2004

Guide Review - "Man on Fire" DVD Review

Denzel Washington stars as Creasy, a boozy bodyguard who takes on the ardous task of keeping precocious youngster, Pita (Dakota Fanning), safe from kidnappers in Mexico City. Pita's looking to be friends with Creasy, while Creasy swears it's all just a job to him. After a few days of being in Pita's company, Creasy's resolve to not become involved emotionally with his young charge is vastly weakened. She's intelligent and adorable, and the hard-nosed Creasy can't help but be charmed.

Things take a deadly twist when Pita's kidnapped, despite valiant efforts by Creasy to keep her safe. What the kidnappers don't know is they've unleashed a killing machine, a man who's out for vengeance and who won't stop until all the kidnappers are brought to justice.

The lack of extra features is the only thing that keeps this DVD from receiving the highest rating. The film itself is a surprisingly gripping thriller with a lot of heart and soul.

Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning are terrific. Scenes featuring just the two of them are some of the best moments of this film, and some of the best scenes we've seen thus far in young Fanning's career. Supporting performances by Marc Anthony and Rahda Mitchell help create one of 2004's most engaging action thrillers.