Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Eli RothsDeath Wishremake couldnt have arrived at a worse time or a better one, depending on your perspective.
Its practically an NRA promo.
(I failed at the most important things a man does, he says.)
The Chicago cops are overwhelmed and ineffectual.
God is nowhere in evidence.
Slowly, as if by natural not social or cultural force, Kersey evolves into a killing machine.
Yes, vigilantism is a messy business.
But victims of crime see Kersey as a guardian angel.
The world is a more just, orderly, and safe place without the people he has killed.
Its difficult to know where to start whichaspect of thisDeath Wishis the silliest?
But they dont get to square one in solving the crime.
Not a break, not a lead.
Its all on Dr. K to seek justice.
Which doesnt hurt the film too much, since hes there for the audience to project on.
(No one had found the Seussian Glock in his pocket!
Only Kersey sees and hears it and kicks it under the gurney.)
I whoop along with everyone else at vigilante movies, which is probably why I hate them so much.
They are the definitive soul-splitters.
Paul doesnt play detective and go after the people who killed his wife and drove his daughter to madness.
His revenge is general.
The novel ends in irresolution and despair.
In the Bronson version, Paul doesnt search out his wife and daughters attackers either.
(It would have been easy one of them is Jeff Goldblum!)
But he is satisfied in his work and is allowed to get away clean.
(Memorable racist bit: A baddie Laurence Fishburne!
Very satisfying to hear the scumbag guy shriek, and the splattery punch line is a hoot.
(I told you I whoop at these movies.
Its either that or leave.)
As Ive said, Kersey cant get one legally in time.
