Man On Fire sees Abdul-Mateen as burned out special forces operator on a roaring rampage of revenge.
Tony Scott’s 2004 film, Man On Fire, is a personal fave of mine. Denzel Washington plays John Creasy, an alcoholic, suicidal former mercenary who finds a reason to live when he gets a gig bodyguarding Dakota Fanning’s cute-as-a-button Pita – and then a reason to kill everyone who crosses his path after she’s kidnapped by a Mexican gang. It’s a magnificent flick.
So, how will Netflix‘s new take land? Excellent question. It’s not a remake, but rather a fresh adaptation of author A.J. Quinnell’s source novels, which differ markedly from Scott’s film (and thee original 1987 adaptation, which starred Scott Glenn). But it does have Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the lead role, which is a point in its favour.
Man On Fire Trailer
What’s the plot?
As the official synopsis tells us:
Based on A.J. Quinnell’s book series, Man on Fire tells the story of John Creasy. Once a high functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary, known for surviving even the most desolate of situations, Creasy is now plagued with intense PTSD. Determined to overcome his personal demons, he sets out on a path to redemption. But, before he can adjust to this new life, he finds himself back in the fire, fighting harder than ever.
Who’s in it?
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as John Creasy.
- Billie Boullet as Poe Rayburn.
- Alice Braga as Valeria Melo.
- Scoot McNairy as Henry Tappan.
- Paul Ben-Victor as Moncrief.
- Bobby Cannavale as Paul Rayburn.
When’s it out?
Man On Fire hits Netflix on April 30, with all eight episodes dropping at once.
What’s the vibe?
I can’t speak for the original books, because they’re long out of print and hella expensive last time I checked, by Tony Scott’s Man On Fire has a unique combination of heart and extreme violence, all seasoned with the late action maestro’s hyperkinetic aesthetic sense. If this version can get within a parsec of that, we should be in for a good time.
MORE IN News
