CinemaBlind’s Review – 85%
Netflix’s Man on Fire is finally here, and while I can’t speak for the novel fans as I haven’t read them, I have watched all seven episodes of the action thriller series, and I am extremely happy to say that this is one of Netflix’s best in this genre.
Created by Kyle Killen, the Netflix series is based on A.J. Quinnell‘s 1980 novel of the same name, and it follows former Special Forces mercenary John Creasy, who is struggling with PTSD because of his last failed mission. He is hired as security by his former commander, Paul Rayburn, but a tragic incident sends Creasy on a bloody quest for revenge.
While I do love the intense action sequences, thrilling drama, and compelling story progression in Man on Fire, I do also have some minor gripes about a few supporting characters who seem more like an exposition machine than real human beings. Aside from that, I don’t really have anything majorly negative to say about the series.
Man on Fire isn’t a groundbreaking television show that will make you change the way you see movies and TV shows of this genre, but it knows exactly what it is and uses that to make itself as entertaining as possible. The Netflix series doesn’t take itself too seriously, but at the same time treats its characters with the respect and seriousness they deserve.
After leading the MCU’s brilliant superhero series, Wonder Man, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is amazing as the brooding and dangerous John Creasy. Mateen II portrays Creasy as a man always on the edge, who could go off at any given time.
Billie Boullet plays the role of Poe Rayburn aka the girl Creasy has to save, and aside from Mateen II, Boullet has the most screentime, and she is simply wonderful in the role. Boullet portrays Poe with the vulnerability her character needs. The supporting cast, including Alice Braga, Scoot McNairy, Paul Ben-Victor, and Bobby Cannavale, is also great in their respective role.
In conclusion, Netflix’s Man on Fire is a must-watch series because of its amazing action sequences and thrilling story, and while it does have some faults, such as a few annoying supporting characters and a weak villain, it is still a great series that will keep you entertained throughout all of its seven episodes.