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Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) is a bank security expert, whose specialty is designing infallible theft-proof financial computer systems. But there's a hidden vulnerability in the system he didn't account for - himself. When a ruthless criminal mastermind kidnaps his family, Jack is forced to find a flaw in his system and steal $100 million. With the lives of his wife and children at stake and under constant surveillance, he has only hours to find a loophole in the thief's own impenetrable system of subterfuge and false identities to beat him at his own game.
However, even with all these elements, the film failed to thoroughly impress. It looked like Ford had lost all his action-hero charm, ala his Indiana Jones days. The fight scene between Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) and Bill Cox (Paul Bettany) looked so unrealistic and lacking in chemistry that I thought it was filmed in slow motion.
From the beginning, the audience is informed of the onscreen dilemma and at every step of the way; their interest is piqued about the fate of our protagonist. This adds excitement and anticipation to the otherwise predictable plot.
The same can't be said for the rest of the cast. A lack of in-depth character development marred their performances. Needless to say, the bad guys were easily identified since they sported weaponry and the victims displayed fear in the form of tears and protests. Look past these physical attributes and one is faced with two-dimensional characters. Firewall is an entertaining treat for its audience despite its minor setbacks. Harrison Ford may have aged a lot since Indiana Jones but he still exudes much charm and charisma. And if Ford is not that big a draw to entice you, watch this film for its cookie-cutter film formula of providing straightforward entertainment. Firewall is a good weekend movie with the gang or even for a date. With dozens of other films trying hard to develop avant garde and unique plots, a straightforward action/adventure film is always much appreciated. Download the interview clips of Harrison Ford on Firewall! Win a Firewall poster by emailing your particulars to admin@funkygrad.com! |
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Firewall
uses a tried and tested formula of action/adventure movies to save itself from
its lackluster plot. 
Sound
uncharacteristically familar? Throw in a few fight scenes, explosions and situations
of mortal danger and you have a typical adventure blockblaster in the making!
As
like most adventure films, there is resolution at the end. We celebrate the
triumph of good over evil, the safety of our hero and his family and the abolishment
of vices. However, this film ends on a cliffhanger. We were left feeling more
puzzled with unanswered questions than a sense of relief and closure. Perhaps
the producers were trying to differentiate Firewall from your regular fare.
The
cast has to be commended for their Oscar-winning performances. Paul Bettany
was brilliant in his villain role; juxtaposing his smooth delivery of dialogue
in a gentle and hushed tone. Ford depicted the stereotypical role of a family
man who cares so much for his family that he is willing to risk heaven and hell
for them. Bettany and Ford share most of the screen time, allowing them to flesh
out their characters effectively. Young Jimmy Bennett really shone in his role
as Ford's son, Andy Stanfield. His impeccable delivery of wit and humour was
entertaining. Jack Stanfield's secretary, Janet Stone (Mary Lynn Rajskub) managed
to impress in her role as the soft spoken and demure secretary who at the same
time, is capable of feistiness and bravado. 