Death Wish

Death Wish (1974) – Granted, this is probably the single most influential vigilante film ever, and maybe it was shocking 40 years ago, but it feels exploitative in its oversimplified approach to complex issues, and it’s over the top even as it strives for realism; the end result is something of a comical right-wing fantasy, and the ham-fisted, dull, preachy script, subpar direction, and unbelievable casting of Bronson as a bleeding-heart liberal certainly don’t help; blink and you’ll miss Denzel. 5