This thriller, originally voiced by Russian actors, has a straightforward, TNT-movie feel to it. It could've starred a Bronson, Seagal, or Stallone, if it had been shot in the United States. Instead, it's a dubbed over film that finds Vinnie Jones headlining, but he's merely an assassin-for-hire in the third act. What we've got here is an above average film starring Aitzhanov Berik, who turns in a decent performance as the brooding bodyguard Arsen who is searching for his brother's killers.

The first thirty minutes almost lost me. Everything moved predictably, to the point of being paint-by-numbers. But Berik's material as Arsen and the bit about the "judges" who speak to him, pushing him toward vengeance, finally sucked me in. Berik tracks down his brother's killers, finds out that it's a conspiracy involving the journalist's investigation into the mob, and proceeds to attract a good amount of trouble. The fight scenes are entertaining, but the supporting actors, outside of Berik and a fellow reporter, aren't very good.

Ultimately, the "twist" is pretty ridiculous, but it reinforces the questions about vengeance that come to mind about a film like this. How much does seeking vengeance cost the seeker? What are we sacrificing in ourselves when we take the law into our own hands? If "vengeance is mine, says the Lord" is true, why would God not want us to take vengeance? In the outcome here for Arsen, we're pretty clear that it costs us everything, even our souls.

If revenge thrillers or mindless action flicks are your deal, then this is passable. Otherwise, you can probably steer clear.