:: A Man Apart

With his stoic expression and strong-arm tactics, Vin Diesel takes stage in A Man Apart. He does a fine job as DEA agent Sean Vetter in this revenge story (a special police task force attempts to take down the top cocaine trafficker just south of the Mexican border). A loyal partner Demetrius (Larenz Tate) joins him. Unfortunately, Sean’s beloved wife (Jacqueline Obradors) is wiped out in retribution. This action obviously spurs the grim crime fighter to take apart this organisation.

Diesel’s intensity makes him a refreshing protagonist, but the script spoils him. About halfway through the film, a plot progression foils the well-earned empathy, and interest wanes slightly. Audiences usually like to follow the underdog (a vigilante of sorts), but the mission is predictable and unsavoury. It’s the usual action-movie revenge, moving swiftly with a deal of street panache. Sean is like a rabid dog.

Larenz Tate’s role is a welcome one. He contrasts the intensity of his partner, while Timothy Olyphant deserves kudos for being a designer drug dealer that has insane fun in his performance. If you’re a Vin Diesel fan, enjoy him in a different light – dancing/crying for instance. It should broaden his fan base. Overall, good action and a few one-liners make this film rise just above average.