Movie review: Death Wish

THE topic of gun control produces loud chatter from both sides of the fence in the US, with people either voicing their opinion on why gun ownership should be regulated, or why it’s their second amendment right to own one.
The film Death Wish seems to lean a bit more on the pro-gun side, albeit with scenes that seem to question the legitimacy of the aforementioned right to bear arms.

This action-drama film spins the story of ER doctor Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) and his happy life with wife, Lucy (Elisabeth Shue), and college-bound daughter, Jordan (Camila Morrone).
The Kersey family lives in a relatively affluent part of Chicago, contrasting with the high levels of gun violence in the city.
One day tragedy strikes their picture-perfect life, causing Paul to spiral downward and make the questionable choice of becoming a vigilante thirsty for revenge.
The movie is mostly based on the 1972 novel by Brian Garfield, and is a remake of the 1974 film starring Charles Bronson, which spawned four sequels.
Because of this, it feels like a stale story that has been made for the 100th time.
Something bad happens to a man’s family. He feels bad, helpless even. And what does he do? He resorts to violence and decides to become a vigilante.
Worse, he puts his brother Frank (Vincent D’Onofrio), who has a criminal past, in the hot seat as the police’s main suspect.
In the film, there are scenes where the media debate about the actions of the Grim Reaper, a nickname they give Paul for killing only the ‘bad guys’.
There are also scenes depicting how easy it is to buy a gun in the US, which are even advertised on television like detergent you’d use for getting tough stains out of your clothes.
Death Wish certainly pushes onto the viewer a moral dilemma of supporting Paul’s actions or not.
However, in a climate where gun control is most needed in the US, the film still undoubtedly glorifies the usage of guns.
Coupled with a basic plot, I’d give this movie a pass.