Much like what Halloween did for slasher films in 1978, 1974's Death Wish helped to set the standard for vigilante films. It is not the be all and end all of the genre, but its influence cannot be ignored, and pretty much any vigilante flick to come since will ultimately be compared to the Charles Bronson starring film. That includes both vigilante films that have come out within the past month. First was Death Sentence, a B-movie that embraced its roots and delivered an entertaining film. Now we have The Brave One which is definitely B grade material with efforts by the primary cast and director to elevate it to the A level. It is not entirely successful, but the film is still rather entertaining in its efforts.

The Brave One does not waste any time getting to the point. We are introduced to Erica Baine (Jodie Foster), a talk radio host who shares her tales of walking the streets of New York City. She is engaged to a doctor named David (Naveen Andrews) and the two are preparing for their impending nuptials. One night, walking through Central Park (a hotbed of criminal activity if there ever was one) the couple is accosted by some hooligans. Erica is beaten within an inch of her life while David loses his. This attack has shattered Erica's existence. It has taken away the love of her life and has instilled within her a fear of everything and everyone. She is barely able to leave her apartment, much less work and carry on, speaking of walking the city. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be in that position, it is a truly horrifying proposition.

Seeking to feel a little more protected, Erica sets out to buy a gun. Her efforts are quickly rewarded, as she is able to easily obtain an illegal 9mm automatic. This goes surprisingly easily, probably more easily than it would be in the real world for someone of her background. Then again, she would have to acquire the weapon rather easily, and illegally, in order for the rest of the film to play out the way it does. Shortly after getting the gun Erica is put in a position to use it. It is a corner store in the dead of night, she is forced into a do or die situation that leaves her apparently sickened and perhaps just a little excited.

What follows is an examination of vigilantism, both sides of the story, through the eyes of a woman who has been on both sides. Unlike Death Sentence, where the lead is almost single-minded in his purpose, The Brave One's Erica is much more reluctant at first. It is almost as if she is testing her willingness to become a more proactive participant. She is forced to examine the changes that have taken place in the wake of her loss. This is contrasted with Detective Mercer (Terrance Howard) who follows the law no matter how frustrating it can be in blocking him from bringing criminals to justice.

The tension builds as Erica becomes a more willing participant, building up to the moment where she must take charge of her own future in a scene which is strongly reminiscent of a similar turning point in Death Sentence, all while Det. Mercer gets ever closer to finding the truth behind the rash of vigilante killings that is spreading across the city.