Written by by by Byezuuwa Togonon , CNN
“Man on Fire,” the latest film from Oscar-winner Denzel Washington , opens in select theaters across the United States today.
The film, which the actress Jordana Brewster says is “just outrageous,” chronicles the exploits of Matt Damon’s character Ron Taylor, an American whom Brewster describes as a “firefighter superhero.”
Delivering back-to-back action-packed action sequences, the film documents Taylor’s life and his fateful battle with a capuchin monkey.
“I didn’t know what to expect; I didn’t know if this was going to be too crazy or shocking,” Brewster told CNN Money at the film’s premiere in New York City. “The script and story line was so easy to get behind.
“A lot of times, it’s hard to make a movie, especially with a star like Denzel. So, being able to work with him was so great. I feel so honored to have played this part.”
Washington himself didn’t consider him too off-the-wall, Brewster says.
“I think he’s an amazing actor and that’s what I wanted to get across. He played this role just like I’m his daughter,” the “Fast and Furious” actress said.
For Washington, as for a role that required something a little different than the Tom Hanks-style heroic journey he’s so well known for?
“Man on Fire” brings to mind the late James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, one of the original stars of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Avery died in 2015 of lung cancer at age 58, but he left behind much of his behind the scenes involvement in the long-running TV comedy, Brewster says.
“He was the mastermind of the series and I love that,” Brewster said. “There wasn’t a scene that went on that went that didn’t require him to bring his character to life.”
“Man on Fire” opens in the UK in December.