Nice. A simple one line story “Four brothers look to avenge their mother’s death”

The direct wastes no time, and even before the titles roll, he dives into the story and whacks their silver haired mom! Didnt mull around wasting time for any characterization, flashbacks or any Kleenex moments to force out a tear or two for the old lady. Simple and effective.

So I was left with a big question mark - what the heck? How does he plan to fill the rest of the 2 hours, when everyone knows whats going to happen to the killers?!

But African American director John Singleton shows his mastery in some gripping action scenes using a rotting Detroit as an effective backdrop (not to mention his clever use of the weather). Using mostly single shots (meaning no fastcuts/ ramp editing / fancy cameras) he comes up with a fairly good movie. Watch out for a great car chase on icy dark roads, it will remind you of Fast and Furious (it should - after all he shot it

I liked the simplicity, wonderful acting and the skill* of the director to keep you in your seats after the brothers find the killers & kill them in the first 45minutes. A good popcorn entertainer.

4/5

* - Youngest director to receive an Oscar nomination - for Boys N Hoods (1992) when he was 23! - tho he never made it big till 2Fast & 2Furious