The Brave One (2007)

This Movie Is About Erica Bain (Jodie Foster) had a loving relationship with her fiancee until one night, they took a wrong turn in a park and got the shit beaten out of them by these three gang bangers. Erica's fiancee died, leaving Erica alone, depressed and struggling to survive. She feared her own shadow and the police, lead by Detective Mercer (Terrence Howard) can do nothing. This, combined with the reality of how shitty New York really is, pushes Erica over the edge. She purchases a gun illegally for protection but soon turns it on the criminals of New York. Of course this isn't right and it's not long before Mercer is on her trail, but in the mean time, Mercer gets to know Erica, the person and they share experiences and in the end, everything comes together in a brilliant mess.

You Should Watch This Movie Because Jodie Foster hasn't been in something this gory since The Silence of the Lambs. The story itself is a bit of a mess but I believe that this was intentional. The film really brings you into the mind of a someone who has lost it all and how they attempt to cling on to what they have only to realize that you'll only ever be a shadow of who you were and dealing with the person you become is much more scary than anything the night has to offer.

What's Hot: Foster isnt' that great in this film, physically since she's supposed to play a character who's a train wreck. But what she lacks in appearance, she makes up for in performance as she does a splendid job in getting into the character and really putting herself out there. Terrence Howard is back and shows that he can play a variety of roles with a conflicted detective. Not the most original part but one that is vital for a well-rounded story. The supporting cast is pretty thin but Detective Vital (NIcky Katt) chimes in with hilarious remarks from time to time to give the audience a breather.

What's Not Hot: The ending is very suspect. There are no complaints of how the story ended because it was awesome with the last sequence, but Erica really didn't deserve that ending. Without ruining it, I will just say that the ending is very much a consequence of Erica and Mercer's relationship. And the status of their relationship in the end, did not warrant what happened. But it's just a minor greviance and can be over-looked.

Breaking It Down:
Story: 7.8 (Roderick Taylor & Bruce A. Taylor)
Direction: 8.0 (Neil Jordan)
Acting: 9.0
Cinematography: 7.5
Music/Sound: 7.0

Entertainment Value: 7.8 (not an average)