“How changing the source material can work”

Dir: James Wan
Prod: Ashok Amritraj, Howard Baldwin, Karen Baldwin
Writ: Ian Mackenzie Jeffers, Brian Garfield
Cast: Kevin Bacon, Kelly Preston, Garrett Hedlund, Aisha Tyler, John Goodman

Death Sentence is a 2007 action thriller directed by James Wan. This film marks his first foray into the action genre, following his success with Saw and Dead Silence. Based on the novel of the same name by Brian Garfield, Death Sentence is actually a sequel to Garfield’s Death Wish novel, though it is not a direct adaptation of the 1974 movie starring Charles Bronson. Instead, it stands on its own, sharing only the title Death Sentence.

Kevin Bacon stars as Nick Hume, a businessman and father who leads a happy life with his wife and two sons. Their world is turned upside down when Nick’s eldest son is killed during a robbery at a gas station. One of the gang members involved in the crime is a newcomer, and the gang believes that by killing someone during a robbery, he will prove himself worthy of joining them. This sets Nick on a path of vengeance, determined to do whatever it takes to avenge his son’s death. However, Nick soon learns that Billy, the gang leader (played by Garrett Hedlund), knows that Nick killed one of his members, and now Billy and his gang are after him. Nick must face them one by one in his quest for justice.

What makes Death Sentence interesting is that it doesn’t glorify vigilantism in the way the Death Wish film series does. While Nick’s actions are undeniably wrong in the eyes of the law, the film makes it clear that his intense desire to avenge his son’s death drives him. The ending shows Nick regretting his actions but also smiling as he watches his family’s video on TV, which adds emotional depth to his character. Additionally, Billy, the villain, is portrayed convincingly, and his struggles with his father, played excellently by John Goodman, add complexity to the story. What makes Death Sentence stand out is that, despite the clichés found in most revenge films, we still connect with the characters’ motivations Nick’s grief, Billy’s problems with his father, and the growing conflict between them.

Another unique aspect of Death Sentence is James Wan’s direction. The film has a gritty, stylish feel, with plenty of handheld shots and quick cuts. Yet, despite the fast editing, the action is clear and easy to follow. Wan’s direction is reminiscent of Hong Kong action films, with whip pans, smooth transitions, and intense quick cuts that never make the audience feel dizzy. The shootout scenes, in particular, feel like something straight out of a John Woo film it’s exciting, intense, and relentless.

Wan’s decision to not make Death Sentence a direct sequel to the Death Wish series gives the film a unique identity. While it is based on an established IP, it offers a fresh take with different characters, a different city, and a distinct motivation. The film stands out as one of the best revenge action movies, and I would argue that it’s even better than the Taken series. While the story can be nonsensical at times, its deeper emotional core about a father seeking revenge without realizing the consequences for his family gives it a unique freshness and originality that many revenge films lack.

Despite having many familiar elements of a typical revenge action flick, Death Sentence surpasses many other films in the genre. The shootout sequences are intense, the fight scenes (which Wan would later revisit in Furious 7) are fantastic, and the movie as a whole is a thrilling experience. I love this film, and in fact, I consider it one of Wan’s best works, alongside Saw, The Conjuring, and perhaps even Aquaman. It’s an underrated gem that deserves more recognition. If you enjoy revenge action films, I strongly recommend checking it out Death Sentence is an underrated gem, offering a fresh take on a familiar genre.