Death Wish: A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Vigilante Fantasy

Directed by: Eli Roth  

Starring: Bruce Willis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Dean Norris, Kimberly Elise

**Rating:** ★★☆☆☆

Death Wish, directed by Eli Roth and starring Bruce Willis, is a remake that walks a fine line between being a timely exploration of vigilantism and a problematic throwback to the macho fantasies of the 1970s. The movie, a reimagining of the 1974 film starring Charles Bronson, follows Dr. Paul Kersey (Willis), a surgeon who turns vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is put in a coma during a home invasion.

 Plot Overview

The film opens with Paul Kersey living a seemingly perfect life in Chicago with his wife (Elisabeth Shue) and daughter (Camila Morrone). This peace is shattered when a violent home invasion leaves his wife dead and daughter in a coma. Frustrated by the lack of progress from the police, Paul takes matters into his own hands, transforming from a healer to a killer. He embarks on a mission to track down the criminals responsible, becoming a local folk hero in the process, known as "The Grim Reaper."

Performances

Bruce Willis, an action movie veteran, steps into the role of Paul Kersey with the kind of effortless confidence you'd expect. His portrayal of a man pushed to the edge is convincing, even if the script doesn’t fully support his transformation into a ruthless vigilante. Willis brings a sense of gravitas to the role, making Paul's journey from surgeon to avenger somewhat believable, despite the lack of a solid backstory for his newfound skills.

Vincent D'Onofrio plays Paul's brother Frank, providing a supportive yet critical voice, while Dean Norris and Kimberly Elise portray the detectives on Paul's trail. Norris and Elise bring a grounded presence to the film, though their roles are somewhat underwritten.

Thematic Exploration

Death Wish attempts to delve into themes of justice, revenge, and the American obsession with guns and vigilante justice. The film updates the original story for the social media age, turning Paul into a viral sensation. This adds a layer of modern relevance but also feels somewhat superficial.

The movie grapples with the moral implications of vigilante justice but often falls into the trap of glorifying violence. It raises questions about whether one man taking the law into his own hands is ever justified, yet it frequently undermines these questions by indulging in over-the-top action sequences and one-liners.

Visual and Technical Aspects

Visually, Death Wish is a mixed bag. The action scenes are well-choreographed and thrilling, but the film’s attempt to capture the gritty realism of urban decay sometimes feels forced. The use of Chicago as a backdrop is effective, providing a contemporary setting that underscores the film’s themes of crime and justice.

However, the film's tone is inconsistent. It shifts between dark, serious drama and almost cartoonish violence, making it hard to discern whether it’s meant to be taken seriously or viewed as a self-aware throwback to 80s action flicks.

Critical Reception

Death Wish has sparked debate about its timing and relevance. In an era where gun violence and vigilante justice are hot-button issues, the film’s depiction of a man taking the law into his own hands is controversial. Some viewers may see it as a necessary exploration of contemporary fears and frustrations, while others might view it as an outdated and problematic fantasy.

### Conclusion

Death Wish is a film caught between two eras. It attempts to update a classic vigilante tale for modern audiences while holding onto the gritty, action-packed roots of its predecessor. Bruce Willis delivers a solid performance, and there are moments of genuine tension and excitement. However, the film’s inconsistent tone and muddled message ultimately undermine its potential.

If you’re a fan of Bruce Willis and enjoy vigilante thrillers, Death Wish might offer some entertainment. But for those seeking a more nuanced exploration of justice and revenge, this film may fall short. It’s a nostalgic trip back to the action films of the past, but it struggles to find its place in today’s more complex landscape.