the "good" characters were quite amiable... while the "villains" were not... thus, creating a ripe atmosphere to root for the good guys... however, it was far too violent for me to give it more than 4 stars... i didn't quite like the message that it was giving to young people... to anyone for that matter... at the same time, the actors did a great job. nick cage was as good as i've seen him... and that little girl was excellent...