'24 Hours to Live' has all the makings of a straight-to-DVD actioner but with Ethan Hawke in the lead. Not only is Ethan Hawke's likeability worthy of giving this film a go, but by the time the action starts, you'll realise that actually it is well staged, well edited and efficiently directed in comparison to most other C-movie types.
The plot is pretty basic, supporting characters are thinly written and your emotions are unlikely to be stirred, but Ethan Hawke imbues his character with enough to ensure there's weight to the story alluded to by its on-the-nose title. It's a typically assured performance from a terrific actor, and the flashback sequences give enough reason to keep invested in his efforts, and particularly the John Wick inspired shootouts.
Overall, if you come looking for solid action, you'll walk away suitably fulfilled. The choreography is nice, the action is easy to follow, and it's dished out with a slick edge that makes the generic drama easy to overlook. 7/10.
Review of 24 Hours to Live
