Scott Glenn takes brooding to a new level in this neo-noir thriller that runs long on despair but short on . . . Well, substance really. Bodyguard loses his charge, vows revenge and goes right out there and gets it. As straightforward as it gets. I did appreciate the bond (ever so fleeting) that he develops with 12 year-old Jade Malle but the film really could've used more interactions between them. I'm happy I finally got around to seeing this, but it's a definitely curiosity, something to be scratched off the list.
Now since comparison to the '04 version is unavoidable, I will say that I liked the hard-boiled narration here; it helps flesh out the character's world-weariness; it was a nice touch. But overall, this '87 original lacks the emotional weight of the remake, which went to satisfying lengths to convey the guy's bloodlust. You knew Denzel was going to make them pay and he damn well delivered.
Now since comparison to the '04 version is unavoidable, I will say that I liked the hard-boiled narration here; it helps flesh out the character's world-weariness; it was a nice touch. But overall, this '87 original lacks the emotional weight of the remake, which went to satisfying lengths to convey the guy's bloodlust. You knew Denzel was going to make them pay and he damn well delivered.