The Equalizer (2014)

A man believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can't stand idly by - he has to help her.

Violent vigilante thriller has style ans suspense, and Denzel Washington can really pull off his role as righteous avenger, but all that said, it's still a dubious genre.

The Fighter (2010)

Based on the story of Micky Ward, a fledgling boxer who tries to escape the shadow of his more famous but troubled older boxing brother and get his own shot at greatness.

Colourful and lively boxing drama is convincing - and entertaining - due to good ensemble performance.

Maltin***: "Flavorful potrait...this film has atmosphere to burn and showy performances - where did they find those women who play Micky's sisters - thought it peters out a bit in the final act."

London Has Fallen (2016)

In London for the Prime Minister's funeral, Mike Banning is caught up in a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders.

A good example how non-stop action and pyrotechnics are necessarrily enough to make the result a good movie.

Welcome to the Rileys (2010)

 

 

On a business trip to New Orleans, a damaged man seeks salvation by caring for a wayward young woman. 

 

Offbeat little indie drama with a far-fetched and not always convincing story, but the cast makes it work finely.

 

Maltin***: "Low-key drama may be a stretch if one takes it literally, but it works as a metaphor about people who need to reconnect with life. It's also a fine showcase for its three leading actors." 

Prisoners (2013)

When two little girls go missing, a father takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts.

An otherwise ordinary crime drama is, although a bit overlong, enhanced by subtle and detailed direction, excellent cinematography and some highly nuanced performances.

Maltin**1/2: "Relentlessly dark and intense, this film depicts every parent's  nightmare but leaves the backstory of its obsessive cop (Gyllenhal) frustratingly incomplete and winds up in strangely perverted territory. Uncompromising American feature debut for director Villeneuve..."

Conviction (2010)

A working mother puts herself through law school in an effort to represent her brother, who has been wrongfully convicted of murder and has exhausted his chances to appeal his conviction through public defenders.

Straightforward, unspectacular crime drama which convinces due to its great cast.

Maltin***: "Trumps many films based on true stories by avoiding cliches and spotlighting its two talented stars, who give sincere and solid performances. What's more, the saga turns out to have more surprises than you might expect."