Man on Fire (Netflix): All Setup, No Spark

I was so hyped for this. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the lead and a reimagining of one of Denzel Washington’s most memorable roles sounded promising, but this is nowhere near as good as the movie. It lacks the flair that the original film had.

Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning’s performances are what you remember most from the source material. Here, the score, cinematography, and performances just aren't up to that level, and the series never quite finds its edge. The episodes often feel bloated, and the action lacks the weight or urgency needed to keep it from feeling dull. Furthermore, the supporting characters don’t do much to elevate the story—they’re largely underwritten and forgettable, which makes the overall narrative feel even thinner.

At the end of the day, this plays like a fairly generic action series. That said, I did like the setup toward the end, and I can see the potential. I’d be open to giving it another chance if it returns for a second season.