Nick Hume is a mild-mannered executive with a perfect life, until one gruesome night he witnesses something that changes him forever. Transformed by grief, Hume eventually comes to the distu... Read allNick Hume is a mild-mannered executive with a perfect life, until one gruesome night he witnesses something that changes him forever. Transformed by grief, Hume eventually comes to the disturbing conclusion that no length is too great when protecting his family.Nick Hume is a mild-mannered executive with a perfect life, until one gruesome night he witnesses something that changes him forever. Transformed by grief, Hume eventually comes to the disturbing conclusion that no length is too great when protecting his family.
- Awards
- 3 nominations
- Joe Darley
- (as Matthew O'Leary)
- Owen
- (as Rich Ceraulo)
- Amy
- (as Elizabeth Keener)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the book, "Death Sentence" - the direct sequel novel to "Death Wish," which itself was made into the movie, "Death Wish (1974)" starring Charles Bronson. The 1974 version spawned four sequels, none of which were influenced by the novel series. The author, Brian Garfield has disliked and does not care for each of the sequels due to how it departs from his original character, and theme in the books.
- GoofsWhen Nick puts the red Ford into gear, he does so without the key (it's not his car). Modern cars cannot be put in gear without a key AND a foot on the brake.
- Quotes
Nicholas "Nick" Hume: Where are you, you bastard?
Billy Darly: You want to send me a reward for finding that wallet of yours?
Nicholas "Nick" Hume: You tell me where the fuck you are, right now!
Billy Darly: No, I'll tell you where the fuck you are. You're in my end of the fucking sewer, buddy. I say who lives. I say who dies. Now you better get that through your fucking skull, because there's no more warnings. I'm coming for some fucking family time.
Nicholas "Nick" Hume: No. You listen to me. You go near my family, and I will cut out your goddamn guts like I did your fucking friend. Do you hear me?
Billy Darly: He wasn't my friend. He was my brother. And now I'm coming for the rest of your family. You just bought them a death sentence, motherfucker.
- Crazy creditsAt the end, In the music credit for "Hey Joe," there is an extra space between the words "Written by" and "Billy Roberts."
- Alternate versionsAlso released in a UNRATED version on DVD running 111 minutes.
- SoundtracksHave a Merry Christmas
Written and Produced by Sourcerer
Performed by Audrey Stange and Victoria Hamilton
Whether or not one agrees with the claims that a more timorous actor would be better suited for the part of Paul Kersey (Eli Roth certainly didn't, considering he cast Bruce Willis in the role for his 2018 remake) it must be admitted that the character Bronson plays is unlike Garfield's unprepossessing, reluctant vigilante.
Similarly, the whole film contrasts sharply with its source material, upsetting Garfield greatly. He felt appalled that audiences were encouraged by the film's violence and vigilantism, despite decrying both topics in his book. He felt that Winner "made a hero out of him. I thought I'd shown that he'd become a very sick man." He was compelled to write a sequel, 'Death Sentence,' that would act as a clear indictment of violence in all its forms, which was not the basis for 'Death Wish II', or any of the other Bronson-led films in the franchise.
In 2007, this was adapted for screen by James Wan. Very, very loosely based on Garfield's novel, 'Death Sentence' centres on Nick Hume, an insurance company executive. He lives the perfect life, happily married with two sons. One day, Nick witnesses his older son being shot dead during an apparent robbery. Determined to find justice, he hunts down the men responsible, though his actions threaten to destroy what little family he has left.
It is an entertaining action thriller, that doesn't break any new ground, though is engaging and has some thematic depth. Although not exactly a paragon of anti-vigilantism, Wan's film is closer in tone- and in themes- to Garfield's novels than Winner's. Unlike Bronson's Paul Kersey, who becomes a symbol of vigilante justice, Nick Hume's journey is portrayed with a raw emotional intensity, highlighting the personal cost of his actions.
Furthermore, the film raises questions about the cycle of violence and whether true justice can ever be achieved through revenge. It touches on the idea of violence as a dehumanising force, stripping people of compassion and perpetuating suffering. Through its exploration of these themes- although concerned with different events and following a differently named character- the film is a faithful adaptation of Garfield's novel.
However, while these ideas are initially explored in an interesting way, Wan doesn't make them the forefront of the narrative. Moreover, the further it goes on, the more straightforward the film becomes. It loses its complexity- as well as its nuanced approach to the idea of vigilantism. By the last act, the interesting themes and notions are all but abandoned, and the film- for all intents and purposes- is exactly like Winner's, just lacking Charles Bronson.
Conversely, Wan and director of photography John R. Leonetti's stark cinematography contributes significantly to the grittiness of the narrative, as does their adoption of a muted colour palette. Their usage of close-ups and tracking shots effectively creates tension, while their utilisation of lighting and shadows is atmospheric. They capture both drama and action with equal aplomb- a lengthy chase scene going from a street, through alleyways and onto the roof of a car park being most notable.
The film's action and violence are realistic and expertly choreographed, although some moments- especially in the last act- feel a bit comic-booky. Despite that, it remains a pulse-pounding, often frenetic affair, well-edited by Michael N. Knue. Additionally, Charlie Clouser's score compounds the film's emotional impact, as well as its tension, and the production design is generally commendable.
The ever-versatile Kevin Bacon stars as Nick Hume, and is terrific, astutely portraying his struggles and evolution over the course of the film. Whether grieving the loss of his son, grappling with acts of violence or contemplating multiple murders, Bacon is totally credible, making Hume a compelling character. Even in its weakest moments, he shines. Carrying the film squarely on his shoulders, Bacon never sets a foot wrong.
Opposite him, Garrett Hedlund does strong work as the contemptible villain Billy Darley, playing him with a winning blend of menace and sleaze. John Goodman does typically fine work as the seedy Bones Darley, an arms dealer and Billy's father. Additionally, Aisha Tyler brings a steady resolve to the underwritten part of Detective Wallis, while Kelly Preston is great, though underutilised, in the all-too-small role of Helen, Nick's wife.
In short, although perhaps not as consistently anti-violence as Brian Garfield would have liked, James Wan's 'Death Sentence' is still a solid piece of work. Boasting fine cinematography and well-choreographed action, as well as strong performances, it is quite entertaining. Despite some underwritten supporting characters, and a comparatively straightforward and weak third act, there is plenty of life in 'Death Sentence'.
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- Sep 14, 2024
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $20,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $9,534,258
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $4,231,321
- Sep 2, 2007
- Gross worldwide
- $16,974,459
- Runtime1 hour 45 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1