brian-bonner

I rated this film a 10 and I'm normally very stingy with 10's but I certainly feel that in every respect of this movie it deserves every point. Denzel was fantastic and played his part perfectly. His character was very complicated emotionally and mentally and watching Denzel play this part was witness to genius. The supporting cast was cast incredibly well. Dakota Fanning was adorable and her lines and acting were second to none. She made you love this character like one of your own children. The rest of the supporting cast gave an incredible performance. Exactly what you would expect from the likes of Micky Rouke and Christopher Walken for a few examples. I can't say enough about this film. The directing, Camera angles and story were superb and flowed flawlessly throughout the film. Man on Fire was not predictable as are so many other action/drama films. This is not only a must see film but a must "BUY" film because you will watch it again. Again, 2 thumbs up to the cast and film makers.

Sorry to say that I know know why this went directly to DVD. This film is not vintage Steven Seagal at his finest. He character in the film almost seemed like he was tired. If you like "shoot em' up" films just for the firepower then this is the film to see but if you enjoy an action film with a flowing story that makes sense then you're going to be horribly disappointed. Without giving anything away, right from the beginning you wonder how, under his current legal circumstance, he was picked for this mission. They don't explain why. If I directed this thing I would have at least had a line in the film saying "we can't trust anyone other then someone that has been locked away from the rest of humanity for quite sometime" which would have worked. The film went downhill from there. Even the film's title didn't make sense. It leads you to believe that the film takes place on or about a submarine which it does not. The submarine scene really had nothing to do with the plot. At one point one of his men say "we are submerged" hence the film topic. Point is that even the title wasn't suited for this film nor was the film suited for me. Mr. Seagal did one quick Martial arts scene in the entire film. Not what I expected from a marital arts action star. Many of his lines were vintage Seagal one liners but were very dorky. Sorry Steven but this is not your best work. I was very disappointed with this film and honestly I suggest keeping your money and renting one of his other films.

I watched this film on my PC at work at about 3:00AM in the morning with the lights dimmed. It was a very good atmosphere to watch this movie. It had me jumping out of my seat on more then one occasion to say the least. My co-workers were wondering why I kept jumping back in my chair. I'll tell you what I told them. "Watch this film and you will find out why". Just watch it with the lights low or off and in a quiet environment and you will have a great time watching this film. It was directed wonderfully and the acting was exceptional for a horror film. I rated it high for the thrills and jolts. I'm sure you will too. Enjoy.