"The Brave One" (**1/2)

My initial reaction to Neil Jordan's "The Brave One" is mixed. The story is not original, but the film is kept alive by Jodie Foster's scorching performance. Also, the tone of the story seems out of place and the direction weak.

The film follows Erica Bain, a radio host, who is engaged to Dr. David Kermani. One night while walking their dog in the park they are brutally attacked by a group of thugs who kill David and leave Erica in a coma for three weeks. Erica wakes up totally changed. At first she is fearful of leaving the confines of her own home, but once she does she purchases an unregistered gun off someone in the streets. Erica patrols the streets at night, unable to sleep. In a convenient store one night she witnesses the murder of the girl working behind the counter. As the culprit is getting ready to leave he hears Erica's phone goes off, and Erica ends up killing him in self-defense. She now takes it upon herself to relieve New York of the scum that walk the streets.

While the story has been done before it does stay intriguing mostly because of Jodie Foster's electrifying performance. This film is hers, and she may even garner an Academy Award nomination. Jodie Foster is a portal into her character's head. When Erica looks in the mirror she does not see the same person staring back at her before the accident; she sees a stranger. After her first killing Erica does not know what she has done. She looks at her reflection, sees the scorching blue eyes looking back at her, and wonders who she is becoming. As the film progresses, Foster contemplates if she is doing the right thing. Is she actually doing good for society, or is she becoming what she is trying to stop? The audience really gets to see this internal struggle go through Foster's head as she gazes upon herself. It is an extraordinary performance, one of the best of the year. Also noteworthy is Terrence Howard who plays a detective investigating the murders. He strikes up a bond with Foster's character who tries to justify her actions by talking to him.

While Foster's performance is strong, the film falters because of its tone. When I was watching it I kept thinking to myself that something just didn't feel right about it. It seemed indecisive on what it wanted to be. Also, in the beginning they cut from different scenes quickly. It seemed like right when a particular scene started to get interesting they would slowly fade to something else. This also interfered with the tone of the film. It just seemed offsetting at times, and it is really hard to explain why.

Also, the ending is really unsatisfying. It seems like it is trying to send the wrong message. I can't go into great detail without spoiling the film.

Overall, the film works because of Jodie Foster's electrifying, Oscar-worthy performance.

Grade: (**1/2 out of ****)