Harry Brown

Michael Caine channels his inner bad ass Septuagenarian with this import from across the pond.  (How hip am I to use that phrasing?)  You can consider this your Euro-Death Wish, but much better acted.
Michael Caine is Harry Brown, living in the English version of the projects.  He is a war veteran and widower, grieving over the recent passing of his sister.  He has one friend in his neighborhood who has been harassed by the delinquents that haunt the area.  His friend finally snaps and fights back, resulting in his murder at their hands.  Caine is now left with nothing to lose, and decides to avenge his friend's death, and clean up his neighborhood.

Caine portrays the isolation and loneliness chillingly well.  Director Daniel Barber routinely frames Caine to further emphasize his disconnect from his surroundings.  This is a dark film, thematically and cinematically.  Caine has to make some heavy decisions, but once the he takes his big step, it's full on 'Get Carter' Caine.  Emily Mortimer plays the police officer investigating the rash of vigilante attacks.  She plays her role with an unusual amount of apparent open emotion.  It's an interesting choice for a role usually played as cold and stoic.

Caine elevates the film above your traditional revenge pic.  It's a dark, desolate film, that focus more on the characters involved rather than relying on cheap thrills.  Harry Brown is well worth your time.

Grade: A-

Up Next: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo