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Created Apr 21, 2013 09:21AM PST • Edited Apr 21, 2013 09:21AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Can a bad-ass criminal really transform into a bible thumping – machine-gun toting crusader for Sudanese children? Well, the quick transition seemed a bit unbelievable, but watching Gerard Butler go from being an abusive, hardened drug imbibing criminal into a force for good made for a lot of entertainment, mostly because Gerard was allowed to keep his hard edge throughout. And indeed it was Gerard’s hard edge that made this movie work. However unlikely it might seem, I’m sure the Sudanese children were happy that Sam Childs came along.

4. Acting

   Very Good 3.5

   Gerard Butler makes a great bad-ass. A bit less comfortable in the bible-thumping role, but the fact he gets to still tote a gun makes it work.

   Michelle Monaghan plays a relatively minor role, but she’s good as the toughened wife trying to push her hubby down the right path.

   Michael Shannon makes a great degenerate sidekick.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    My biggest complaint would be the glossed over transition from bad-ass to do-good. I think there was a lot more opportunity to showcase more dramatic and believable acting.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.1

17. Sex Titillating 2.1

18. Violence Fierce 2.1

19. Rudeness Salty 2.1

21. Reality

    Glib 1.2

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.2

23. Biological Glib 1.2

24. Physical Glib 1.2