After "Out of Time," you might be a little shy about another Denzel film, but "Man on Fire" isn't bad. A serious drama that spends careful camera time with its characters, this picture has a strong heart underneath a harsh surface.

The now-pop-stylish "edgy independent" cinematography feels very odd when mixed with Hollywood celebrity and a rather basic Hollywood plot line; but it works. And for each visual attempt that's trying too hard to be hip, there are another three where the camera special effects nail an emotion to the screen in a frozen frame, or a blurred hand, or fleeting flashback. Through the camera, through good dialogue and acting, an enduring sense of tension rumbles. The writers have created strong characters, and both Denzel and Dakota bring them to life in a believable likable manner. They're easy to root for.

Christopher Walken in a smaller role, is, as always, awesome. Marc Anthony, however, makes a much better singer. Additionally, there are some problems with the plot that would spoil if talked about here. So I'll just say that the ending feels "changed" at a later date, leaving prior details devoid of sense. Strong B+, instead of an A-.

This film has been compared to "The Punisher." They're both revenge films, but so is "Kill Bill" and a hundred other films. "Man on Fire" takes greater care defining its main character and his relationship to his "family" (Dakota Fanning) than does "The Punisher." It's rather surprising, the time given to that relationship, but is in and of itself a quite sweet experience that helps audiences back this dangerous vigilante. If you're up for an exciting action film with some good "kills" see "The Punisher." "Man on Fire" isn't an action film. It's a drama with some action.

Interesting note: Tony Scott and cinematographer Paul Cameron sometimes hand-cranked their cameras to slow down or speed up movement.

(This film screened at a Laemmle Theatre.)