Generally, I'm a Vin Diesel fan. Even in this film, I think he does a fine enough job. In one emotional buddy-buddy scene with Larenz Tate, the two may actually choke you up. But the problem with this picture is the script -- not the players, not the director.

Despite a rather tedious title sequence (various shots of cocaine splattered across the screen), the film starts out strong and proceeds with confidence, style and aptly builds sympathy for its main characters. (A US special police task force attempts to take down the top cocaine trafficker just South of the Mexican border.) In fact, this action film goes out of its way to emphasize the touchy feely giving the story its real strength. However, halfway through, a plot progression sabotages some well-earned empathy and at least for me, severs interest.

Basically, audiences enjoy rooting for the wounded or wronged innocent (i.e.: "Death Wish") but when that innocents blinding passion results in further good-guy deaths, we become suspect. And further, when that vigilante not only displays no remorse for those deaths, but remains unchanged in his resolve, well, viewers will no doubt lose interest in rooting for him.

Though interesting poignant moments, both warm and action-oriented occur, the film itself becomes a blinded wounded vigilante on a mission that no longer makes sense to those looking on.

That said, we (the audience) absolutely loved a scene in which Vin spins a one-sided game of Russian roulette with a crack dealer. That actor plays the role perfectly -- with an exacting mix of comedy and impact drama.