#275(s2)- Man On Fire

·1 hr 26 min·5 clips

Three podcasters debate the divisive editing and jarring style of Denzel Washington's revenge thriller 'Man on Fire'.

The episode begins with the hosts introducing the film 'Man on Fire' and noting it's part of their Denzel Washington Month. Andy and Zach are first-time viewers, while Dubs has seen it before. They immediately discuss the film being a remake of a 1980s movie and based on a book. A major point of criticism is the film's editing style, described as jarring and nausea-inducing, with Andy sharing it made him physically sick. They identify director Tony Scott as responsible for this style. The hosts analyze the plot, discussing the early reveal of Mark Anthony's character's involvement in his daughter's kidnapping and the assumption of the girl's death. Performances are debated: Christopher Walken is praised for his subtle, supporting role; Denzel Washington is considered good but not his best; Dakota Fanning is seen as effectively obnoxious; and the actress playing the mother is heavily criticized. The film's core identity as a revenge fantasy is explored, with Dubs defending its violent appeal against critical pans. They discuss the film's length and a sense of narrative compromise. The conversation briefly touches on other Denzel films like 'Training Day' and 'The Equalizer.' The final segment involves host credits where each shares what they've been watching and playing, including 'Pokémon Legends: ZA,' 'Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,' 'Lorcana' card game, 'Final Fantasy VII Remake,' Cronenberg films, and wrestling content.

As heard by us

A relaxed Denzel Washington chat where Man on Fire's origins, blunt reactions, and casual detours give the episode its appeal.

Man on Fire gives Big Trouble in Little Podcast a solid spine for Denzel Washington Month, with the hosts working through the film's remake-and-book roots before settling into their own divided responses.

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Why you'd press play

You want a late-night Denzel Washington movie chat that starts with Man on Fire and keeps veering into the wonderfully weird.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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