Retired gangster Charlie Matthew begins a violent pursuit of revenge. Charlie appears to be facing a mysterious path as he tries to take revenge after he left him dead with 22 bullets to his body by his former childhood friend.
In the end 22 Bullets fails to live up to its potential by descending into a series of 'hits' that, whilst they carry a perverse level of justice that is satisfying on one level, end up diluting the film's sense of character and pathos.
There are few surprises but the blood-spattered action is handled with aplomb and Reno manages to keep a straight face when obliged to deliver the occasional lecture on morality.
As violent as this mob thriller is, it also has a terrific sense of its central characters, focussing on strong emotions and moral decisions. And even though it's overcomplicated, the result is a sleek and very classy.
