Much like its hero, Acts of Vengeance doesn’t have much to say. He and fight choreographer Man also make cameo appearances as two of the sanseis training Frank. The film also features an uncommonly good supporting cast besides the aforementioned players, it includes Robert Forster, who makes a vivid impression in his single scene as Frank’s hostile father-in-law.ĭirector Isaac Florentine, a veteran of this sort of direct-to-video violent fare, not surprisingly proves more effective with the action than dramatic scenes, but he keeps the pace moving nicely. Looking in excellent physical shape, Banderas glowers quite effectively here. The discovery leads to the inevitable final showdown, which, like all of the many hand-to-hand fight scenes in the film, is excellently choreographed by Tim Man. After Frank regains consciousness, she introduces herself as an ER nurse and “volunteer at the local homeless shelter.” He also picks up a sidekick in the form of a stray German shepherd who clearly recognizes a kindred spirit.įrank ultimately uncovers the identity of the killer, which won’t be much of a surprise to anyone who’s seen these sorts of thrillers before.

He’s rescued and brought home by a woman passerby, Alma (Paz Vega). He also discovers (and this will come as a revelation to audiologists) that his hearing miraculously improves after he takes a vow of silence.Īttempting to track down his family’s killers, Frank discovers that even his improved fighting skills don’t prevent him from getting shot when he battles a group of thugs. Falling through the window of a bookstore, he comes upon a bloodstained copy of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and inspiration strikes.Ĭue the training montage - the only thing missing is the theme from Rocky - as Frank, inspired by such Aurelius sayings as “To expect bad men not to do wrong is madness,” begins honing his body and taking martial arts lessons.

He demurs, and when her pimp shows up a few moments later Frank attempts to intercede on her behalf, only to be beaten up and stabbed for his troubles.

Returning home one night, Frank is propositioned by a teenage prostitute. Frank soon finds an even more effective form of penance when he comes upon an underground fight club and periodically allows himself to be beaten to a pulp. Eventually a sympathetic cop, Strode (Karl Urban), informs Frank that the case has been closed, leading the bereft barrister to drown his sorrows in alcohol. The detective (Johnathon Schaech) in charge comes up empty with his investigation.

Is the act a true story