Firewall

Directed by Richard Loncraine, Firewall follows Harrison Ford’s Jack Stanfield as he and his family are held hostage by a crew of slick criminals, led by Paul Bettany’s Bill Cox, seeking to rob Jack’s place of employment. Filmmaker Loncraine, armed with Joe Forte’s script, delivers an unapologetically familiar thriller that benefits from its top-notch performances and raft of tense sequences, and there’s little doubt, as a result, that Firewall remains far more entertaining for the duration of its 105 minute running time than one might’ve anticipated – although, by that same token, the picture’s hit-and-miss midsection is perhaps not quite as taut as it could (and should) have been. The perpetually watchable vibe is, in the end, significantly heightened by the predictably commanding efforts of its compelling star, as Ford turns in completely captivating work that elevates even the most minor of interludes and it’s clear, ultimately, that the film is at its best when focused on the antagonistic back-and-forth between his and Bettany’s respective characters. (Bettany’s irresistibly smarmy performance is another highlight, to be sure.) By the time the visceral, violent climax rolls around, Firewall has cemented its place as a solid endeavor that certainly isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel and yet manages to make a decent-enough impact from start to finish.

*** out of ****