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A Man Apart

A Man Apart

List Price: $19.96
Your Price: $17.96
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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Man Coming Apart
Review: Better than I expected, based on the mixed reviews I've read. Vin & Larenz were good, I was surprised they made such a believable & natural pair! & the story did have a couple of surprises (for me). Watch Diesel's expressive face convey the way Vetter is often on the verge of exploding from pain & anger, Vin does this even when he's not the focus of the action.
Vetter is a man overwhelmed by his wife's murder, & no one put him in check before he went completely haywire, even though they saw signs of trouble. I would like to have seen the guy referred for some therapy or at least have a real good cry, but that wouldn't make for much of an action movie.

There were certainly holes in the story, & the 'happily married man phase' was a bit overdone. Diesel acted so smitten & the wife so sweet she had 'DEATH' written across her forehead! But it's all make believe anyway, and still worth seeing and listening to (good music). So Vin, where's the soundtrack?

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Vin call your agent
Review: I love Vin Diesel but I wish I'd skipped this movie. The first bad sign was the fact that this thing has actually been in the can on the shelf for about a year before being released. This usually indicates that it's a problem movie. The second really bad thing involves the death of the wife. That scene was extremely ugly and should've been shortened. You're supposed to cheer Vin on as he goes on his quest for revenge but the film is just such a sloppy mess that you probably won't care what happens. Rent XXX and watch that again instead.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Worth owning if a Vin fan, at least one viewing otherwise
Review: This is, as everyone knows, Vin Diesel's proof that he has range and depth with a character emotionally. He himself has said he loves getting in tune with a character. (Obviously moreso with his "Riddick" character of course.) So A Man Apart never seemed to be even hyped so much as a fantastic movie but moreso that Vin Diesel had to be a fantastic actor.

The plot was very tired as everyone has pointed out. There are dozens of movies similar to this. A cop's significant other/child/family was murdered (sometimes, and in this case as well, the main character was supposed to be killed right along with them) ordered by a convict whom this said cop busted in some way. Cop seeks revenge. Cop gets revenge.

A Man Apart is the same way, but carried by a normally rough-and-tumble action star (ironically, even this movie is labeled "Action") showing that he can pull off these extreme emotional stakes. Many thought it would be laughable to see Vin Diesel nearly loose his mind and go on a killing spree to avenge his wife. But like the man or not, he pulled this role off powerfully.

Sean watching his wife die under him while she was smiling through bloodied teeth repeating "I'm okay, I'm fine.." while he couldn't even speak on the phone to the police was wrenching to even watch. The bloodshot eyes (when drinking on the beach behind his house), the few seconds when realization first struck in while crying his wife's name (when Demetrius had to hold him down in his hospital bed), and the "come down" after the purposely insane shootout after he beats the man who actually did kill his wife, cleaning his wedding ring on his hand were undoubtedly the most powerful scenes in this movie. It was impossible not to empathize somehow with Sean Vetter during some points during this film.

If you like Vin Diesel and want to see his range in a not so emotionally strong role, this is a good flick to add to your collection.

The DVD itself was awful, the deleted scenes were up to three minutes max, no behind the scenes or making-of, and no commentary that you would think/hope this kind of movie would have. If you want Vin DVD's that are WELL worth the money, buy XXX and the new unrated directors cut of Pitch Black (that also has many The Chronicles of Riddick extra also), you won't be disappointed.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: An Flawed Action/Drama.
Review: A Former L.A. Gang Member turned DEA Agent-Sean Vetter (Vin Diesel) is a ideal undercover narcotics officer. Sean's loyal partner Demetrius Hicks (Lorenz Tate). Together, They have succeed in taking down the Mexican Cartel's (Geno Silva) top drug lord. Once the Cartel's is in Prison, a ruthless new trafficker mysterious man named Diablo takes control of the Cocaine Empire. But things changes for Sean, when they murder his beautiful wife (Jacqueline Obradors) in Sean's home. Vowing Revenge, Sean tries to make a deal with the Cartel's and Sets out his harsh brand of street justice.

Directed by F.Gary Grey (Friday, The Italian Job-2003, The Negotiator) made a flawed action packed thriller. Diesel and Tate delivers good performances in the film. Which is a bit of a shame, because Christian Gudegast & Paul Scheuring did still needed work in their writting scirpt. Maybe Diesel's good role is Wasted, because there's not enough pain to feel sorry for Diesel's Character-Sean losing his wife in the film. This is One of these films, where Style over Substance wins this film over. Nothing could top Jack N. Green (Unforgiven) terrific cinematography in this one. DVD has an fine anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) and an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD Extras are 10 Minutes of Deleted Scenes, Theatrical Trailers and DVD-ROM Content. This film was a Box Office Disapointment, this film seems to be better viewing on Video. This film feature also a fine music score by Oscar-Winner:Anne Dudley (The Full Monty). Diesel is also One of the Film's Producers. Filmed in between 2000 and 2001. Super 35. Grade:B+.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Has a Few Flaws but HEY Vin Diesel's In It!!!
Review: O.K. I admit.....I watched this movie only because Vin Diesel was in it. Overall, I enjoyed the movie very much and felt it was one of his best movies yet to date. Unlike his past attempts, this movie allows Vin Diesel to expand his acting abilities and offers us a rare glimpse of his vulnerable/sensitive side which is especially s-e-x-y. I also loved the character of Hollywood Jack who is introduced in a humorous way in Chapter 13. The only too minor complaints I have with regards to the movie is that it can be overly violent at certain points (or maybe I'm just a sensitive viewer) and I would have liked to have seen the relationship between Sean & Stacy developed more. I just didn't feel that seeing them together for only 10-15 minutes of the movie was enough for me to feel the intense love and passion that he had for her.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Nobody does it like The Diesel
Review: This movie truly shows another side of Vin Diesel in a way. He's such a bad ass in his other movies. He's a bad ass here too but he's also a sensative man. He plays Sean Vetter, a former gang member turned DEA agent whose street smarts make him the top dog. In the beginning of the movie, he brings down Memo Lucero and it looks like the drug empire is over. But not so fast. A new dealer named Diablo orders a hit out on Vetter at his house and the bullet meant for him accidentally hits his wife and she loses her life. He's devastated by the loss of his wife and seeks revenge against Diablo. Vin Diesel was a perfect pick for the lead role. The emotion and intensity of Vetter was captured perfectly by Diesel. And Larenz Tate as Demetrius Hicks is the perfect compliment to Vetter with his subtlety and calmness. This is one of the best action movies ever made and it's Vin Diesel's best movie ever!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Egads
Review: A MAN APART is another fine Vin Diesel sleeper. Like KNOCKAROUND GUYS, A MAN APART showcases Diesel's intense, multilayered, talented and underrated acting skills.

Vin plays himself playing Sean Vetter, former gang-banger turned DEA agent. In this tired plot, Vetter arrests cartel king Memo Lucera (Geno Silva)and sends him up for life. To fill the power vacuum at the top a mysterious figure, "Diablo" takes over Lucera's operation and kills Vetter's wife(Jacqueline Obradors). Vetter then becomes a vigilante, calling on his former street connections to hunt down Diablo.

Although A MAN APART has a predictable storyline, Diesel makes of this movie more than the sum of its parts. The action sequences are dynamic (if a bit chaotic), but Vin is once again hypnotically believable onscreen, and totally in sync with his character.

Vin Diesel is a much better actor than his second-tier resume of action-adventure films would lead you to think, and A MAN APART proves it.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: overblown&drawn out
Review: alot of action&semi suspense going on but this film is in need of a good edting.this film seems like 4-5 films tied in as one¬ any of the good stuff. I Respect F.Gary Gray but His Films on a whole outside of "Friday" have been long on Action but short on Substance to hold weight all the way through. this is another example of some good ideas that get burried quickly&a film that has some aight moments but is way overblown.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Man Apart is the Sum of Its Parts
Review: If you reflect back on a earlier review I did of the movie "Pitch Black," you will see that I predicted superstardom for Vin Diesel. In, "A Man Apart," he shows that he is about to become the leading action hero in Hollywood, clearly showing more range than Seagal, Norris, Schwarteneggar, or Stallone. Now, if we can just get him to admit that he's African-American. But more on that in another review.

In, "A Man Apart," we find a crack (no pun intended) DEA team that is going after a major cartel. THey break part of it down but in an act of payback, members of a new cartel murder Diesel's wife. Big mistake. Along with his trusty DEA colleague played convincingly by Lauren Tate (Menace II Society, The Inkwell, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, The Postman), Diesel attempts to infiltrate another drug kingpin's clique, but things fall apart, and he's and Diesel is suspended for six months. But he's a man who has a missoin and doesn't let that stop him. He gathers a rag tag group of street brothers and, along with Tate, they head to Mexico for payback. I don't want to spoil the plot any more than I already have.

Diesel brings a refreshing smart mouthed toughness to the action hero genre. His approach is direct and brutal - but smooth. When he approaches one dealer named Hollywood Jack who is sitting in a Porsche, Jack asks him why the cops are messing with him. Diesel answers, No mudflaps." This is the same kind of never-bat-an-eye bravado that he displayed in the movie "Knockaround Guys." Diesel has arrived -- and "A Man Apart" is the vehicle that did it. If you're into action, street level violence and insights into how the drug trade works, take a peep at "A Man Apart." You'll be glad you did.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Vin finally shows some emotion/acting ability...
Review: It was refreshing to see Vin play a part that has emotion. Even though this was an action flick it gave Vin the chance to expand on his acting. He's a good actor but when all he gets is action movie roles you can't expect too much in the way of oscar-winning performances. This is the best movie Vin's done so far in my opinion, because he shows a human side not seen in his other movies. Even though this is typical action movie goodness it's Vin's performance that sets it apart. (no pun intended)


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