Mob-thriller plays like a remodeled "Hit List", except for the chalky color schemes which transform the Bay Area into New Jersey and a smug, over-enunciating avenger who spouts proverbs in the voice of a perturbed home-room teacher. What kind of badass has to explain his badass past, and also use witticisms? A movie where you actually root for the "Death Wish" thugs over the vigilante is disappointing, especially when you have actors of Matt Monaco's caliber in the cast. These flaws, including numerous amateur performances, wouldn't be so pronounced if the actors weren't trapped in so many close-ups. The slick photography, throbbing synth soundtrack and San Francisco locales rescue all they can, and the movie's action has some surprises. But the CGI effects and martial arts segments are un-cathartic, lifeless and super rehearsed, including some thrown stunt punches I can't believe made it past a rough cut. Also, why is it in these movies nowadays, before men commit savage, premeditated violence, their girlfriends call them "***-hole"? Also hard to understand is the outfit of bumbling thugs and connected guys, who, even in upper management, are the last to hear about a street hit in broad daylight. Or a halfway house that allows its tenants to loiter on a front porch, drinking beer and insulting pedestrians. James Allen Brewer gives a notable performance as a frustrated member of what I think is director Michael Fredianelli's homage to the memorable hoods in Cassavetes' "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie". 2 potato sacks out of 5.