One of the themes explored in this film was the ungrateful nature of the nation's treatment of its military. This was apparent in the main character Barnes who is dishonorably discharged by a politically correct tribunal.
Barnes is subsequently recruited by a maverick congressman to serve as a hit man in his vigilante program to rid the world of nefarious creatures working in human trafficking involving children. Apparently, the regular law enforcement system has broken down so completely that Rep. Dakota Ambrose now serves as judge, jury, and executioner with help from his little brother Seth and his new recruit Barnes.
The film was successful in developing a multi-layered drama with the congressman even answering to a higher rogue authority. Everyone is beholden to someone else or in someone's "pocket." And everyone seems to be concealing a secret facet of their lives, such as FBI SA Dani and her addiction to alcohol; Seth's attendance at AA meetings; Dakota's true calling that he conceals from his wife Sarah; and Barnes' troubled past as he is haunted by the death of his beloved sister Diane.
There were strong performances from the ensemble cast, especially the actor playing Barnes. There was a disturbing sense a malaise about contemporary American society, and the film captured the gritty realism that Martin Scorsese attempts but rarely succeeds in achieving.
Barnes is subsequently recruited by a maverick congressman to serve as a hit man in his vigilante program to rid the world of nefarious creatures working in human trafficking involving children. Apparently, the regular law enforcement system has broken down so completely that Rep. Dakota Ambrose now serves as judge, jury, and executioner with help from his little brother Seth and his new recruit Barnes.
The film was successful in developing a multi-layered drama with the congressman even answering to a higher rogue authority. Everyone is beholden to someone else or in someone's "pocket." And everyone seems to be concealing a secret facet of their lives, such as FBI SA Dani and her addiction to alcohol; Seth's attendance at AA meetings; Dakota's true calling that he conceals from his wife Sarah; and Barnes' troubled past as he is haunted by the death of his beloved sister Diane.
There were strong performances from the ensemble cast, especially the actor playing Barnes. There was a disturbing sense a malaise about contemporary American society, and the film captured the gritty realism that Martin Scorsese attempts but rarely succeeds in achieving.