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One of the first action flicks of 2006, Firewall gets the job done with suspense, intrigue and overall entertainment. There are certain things you
look for in this genre and other than a few expected pieces of over the top never could happen elements this film delivers the essentials. The good guys are easy to pull for and the bad guys are easy to hate.

Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) is a security specialist VP who is coerced into robbing the bank he is paid to protect. When the madman (Paul Bettany) who forces him into this position uses his wife (Virginia Madsen) and kids as the motivational pawns Jack has no option but to play along. When he discovers that intricate steps have been taken to frame him for the entire scheme Jack decides to turn the tides in order to save his family and ultimately his career.

The plot, though not at all original or airtight, is still very engaging. You know how these movies will turn out but like a good roller coaster the better ones throw you a turn you didn't see coming or at least keep the speed and adrenaline pumping. Firewall did that for me. You pull for Jack right away. Maybe it is the familiar face of Ford that causes you instantly to root for him and his family. Add to that a total dislike for Bettany’s character and you find yourself getting into the dynamic fairly quickly.

With the advancement in technology and electronics it is getting harder and harder to find ways to write creative plots while still making the sequences believable. Anyone with the basic knowledge of modern technology will find a few arrangements completely unfathomable, but this is a movie after all and you can easily over look them if you afford yourself that option. They are farfetched but not such a vital part of the overall movie that it completely loses credibility.

Speaking of believable I wasn't sure how Ford would fair as an action hero now that he is pushing his mid '60’s. But he does. I think because he is so plausible as a father and working man who would do anything to save his family. He may not be Indiana Jones any more but threaten the things he loves and he still has quite a bit of fight left in him.

Firewall is rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of violence. The language is what you would expect from PG-13 but certainly doesn't push the envelope. As a complete package I found this film highly entertaining and well worth a trip to the theater, I give it 3.75 out of 5 stars.

The Mungle (2/7/06)

Matt is a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com"