When the daughter of a reformed criminal (Nicolas Cage happily married to Rachel Nichols ) is abducted , he rounds up his old team (Max Ryan , Michael McGrady) and attempts to solve the kidnap , at the same time he seeks vendetta against the kidnappers . As he and his crew face off criminal bosses and henchmen employing drastic tortures and pains including crude punishment , physical abuse , panic attack and brutal violence . The past never stays dead.
This is a thrilling and bleak film with high doses of suspense , intrigue , plot twists , blood , and violence . This stirring story is compellingly filmed , following a violent and dark style similar to Paco Cabezas' former successful films . And sadly showing quite a few amoral roles , corruption , badness and despicable acts of pure evil carried out by the violent protagonists as well as the ruthless contenders . While the look is suitable sinister and intriguing, the plot spreads to the surprising breaking point , including an unexpected final that turns out to be extremely stirring . There stands out Nicolas Cage giving his usual but acceptable interpretation as a relentless avenger father who broken by pain , rage and impotence attempts to seek the nasty agressors and exact a merciless vendetta by using terrible and cruel tortures . As the reformed ex-delinquent seeks his own brand of justice , as he acts as revenger judge , jury and executioner , Charles Bronson-alike . Nicolas Cage hired filmmaker Paco Cabezas , because being a huge fan of Carne de neón (2010), Paco Cabezas' second movie and the one who caught the attention of Hollywood . Here the veteran Nicolas Cage is well accompanied by a fine support cast , such as : Rachel Nichols as his wife , Max Ryan , Michael McGrady , Peter Stormare , Pasha Lychnikoff and special mention for the forgotten Danny Glover as Det. Peter St. John .
It packs an atmospheric and adequate cinematography by Andrzej Sekula , who has also shot some fims ,being filmed in Mobile, Alabama . As well as a moving and sensitive musical score by Laurent Eyquem . This decent production is a thriller/revenge competently directed by Pablo Cabezas . His first feature length Project was ¨Aparecidos¨ (2007) a terror Spanish/Argentina film . Paco is a good screen-writer such as ¨Bon Appetit¨ (2010) , ¨Spanish movie¨(2009) , ¨Sexy killer¨(2008) and a notorious filmmaker , especially known for Carne Neón (2010), , being subsequently hired by Hollywood/Nicolas Cage , where directed Tokarev (2014) . Furthermore , he is filmmaking ¨Men with No Fear¨ and ¨Mr. Right¨ in post-production . And shooting some episodes of popular series as Penny Dreadful (TV Series) , Fear of walking dead , The strain , Into the badlands , among others .Rating : 6.5/10 . Acceptable and passable . The motion picture will appeal to Nicolas Cage fans and thriller buffs .
