2023 NFL Power Rankings: Week 15

 ()=Previous Ranking

1.(1) San Francisco 49ers (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Arizona Cardinals

2.(4) Dallas Cowboys (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Buffalo Bills 

3.(5) Baltimore Ravens (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars 

4.(2) Miami Dolphins (9-4) Week 15 opponent: New York Jets

5.(3) Philadelphia Eagles (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Seattle Seahawks 

6.(14) Buffalo Bills (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Dallas Cowboys 

7.(6) Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) Week 15 opponent: New England Patriots

8.(7) Detroit Lions (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Denver Broncos

9.(11) Denver Broncos (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Detroit Lions

10.(19) Cleveland Browns (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Chicago Bears

11.(9) Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Baltimore Ravens

12.(17) Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Minnesota Vikings

13.(8) Houston Texans (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Tennessee Titans 

14.(10) Green Bay Packers (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

15.(13) Los Angeles Rams (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Washington Commanders

16.(12) Indianapolis Colts (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers

17.(16) Minnesota Vikings (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals

18.(15) Seattle Seahawks (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles

19.(18) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Indianapolis Colts

20.(24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Green Bay Packers

21.(20) Atlanta Falcons (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Carolina Panthers

22.(22) New Orleans Saints (6-7) Week 15 opponent: New York Giants

23.(25) Chicago Bears (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Cleveland Browns

24.(27) New York Giants (5-8) Week 15 opponent: New Orleans Saints

25.(29) Tennessee Titans (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Houston Texans

26.(30) New York Jets (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Miami Dolphins

27.(21) Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Las Vegas Raiders

28.(23) Las Vegas Raiders (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers

29.(26) Washington Commanders (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Rams

30.(28) Arizona Cardinals (3-10) Week 15 opponent: San Francisco 49ers

31.(31) New England Patriots (3-10) Week 15 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs 

32.(32) Carolina Panthers (1-12) Week 15 opponent: Atlanta Falcons

Week 14 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2023 Edition

Quarterback

MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)

While the raw numbers make Jackson's performance against the Rams look far more dominant than it actually was, context doesn't matter in fantasy football and his owners had to be thrilled that he delivered one of his best lines of the year (316 YDS/3 TD's/INT/11 CAR/70 YDS/1 2-PT CNV) in this huge late season spot. Jackson has another tantalizing matchup in Week 15 against a Jaguars secondary that has surrendered 295+ passing YDS in 4 of their last 5 games.  

Honorable Mentions: Justin Fields (Bears), Matthew Stafford (Rams), Brock Purdy (49ers)

LVP: Jalen Hurts (Eagles)

It was an ugly all-around performance for the Eagles on Sunday night against the Cowboys and Hurts wasn't immune from their collective failure, tossing a pedestrian 197 YDS and rushing for only 30 while also losing a key redzone fumble early in the game and failing to score a TD for the 1st time all season. The good news for Hurts and co. is that they're playing a Seahawks team this week that has gotten absolutely lit up by the Cowboys and 49ers offense over the past 3 weeks.

Dishonorable Mentions: Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Jared Goff (Lions), Jordan Love (Packers)

Running Back

MVP: Ezekiel Elliott (Patriots) 

Injuries to Rhamondre Stevenson, Demario Douglas and DeVante Parker forced Elliott to handle the brunt of the Patriots offensive load versus the Steelers last Thursday night and he delivered big time. Zeke put together the kind of dual-threat explosion that we haven't seen a whole lot of from him of late, compiling 29 touches (22 carries, 7 receptions), 140 scrimmage YDS and a TD grab as the Pats pulled off an upset victory that no one in their fanbase expected (or quite frankly, wanted given their desire to tank for draft position during this lost season). Elliott appears set to remain the Patriots top offensive option for this week's contest with the Chiefs, so keep firing him up in your lineups.  

Honorable Mentions: Breece Hall (Jets), James Cook (Bills), Raheem Mostert (Dolphins)

LVP: D'Andre Swift (Eagles) 

Negative gamescript clipped Swift's wings before he got a chance to fly on Sunday against the Cowboys, which led to a very underwhelming 11 carry/39 YD-performance that likely flipped a lot of outcomes in this week where most starting RB's put up at least solid numbers. Swift will look to return to his reliable RB2 status versus the Seahawks awful run D in Week 15.

Dishonorable Mentions: Najee Harris (Steelers), Jaylen Warren (Steelers), Gus Edwards (Ravens)

Wide Receiver

MVP: Deebo Samuel (49ers) 

CMC, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle all had their moments to shine in the 49ers decisive Week 14 victory over the Seahawks, but Samuel ultimately emerged as the top star-hauling in 7 passes for 149 YDS and a score and topping the day off with a 1-YD rushing score. Samuel will look to extend his streak of multi-TD games to 3 against the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon. 

Honorable Mentions: D.J. Moore (Bears), Drake London (Falcons), DeAndre Hopkins (Titans)

LVP: Mike Evans (Buccaneers)

Water found its level this week as Evans didn't find a way to have another monster day amidst Baker Mayfield's struggles, catching just 1-of-6 targets for 8 YDS in a game versus the Falcons that the Bucs were somehow able to win. Evans is in a potentially rough spot in Week 15 as the Bucs have to travel to the frozen hell of Green Bay to take on a Packers squad that has defended the pass pretty well this season, so he might be worth considering benching this week if you have a better WR/RB option to start in his place. 

Dishonorable Mentions:  Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions), Stefon Diggs (Bills), Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals)

Tight End

MVP: Evan Engram (Jaguars)

Engram was the visibly-hobbled Trevor Lawrence's favorite target by a mile against the Browns this past week as he caught an absurd 11-of-12 targets for 95 YDS and 2 TD's. As long as Lawrence's ankle remains a problem , Engram should be an elite fantasy TE that challenges for this very title every single week. 

Honorable Mentions: David Njoku (Browns), Isaiah Likely (Ravens), George Kittle (49ers)

LVP: Sam LaPorta (Lions)

For 2023 at least, the Bears have proven to be the LaPorta killers. The budding star rookie TE managed just 2 catches for 23 YDS and a 4-YD rush against Matt Eberflus' group in a demoralizing blowout road loss for the 9-4 Lions. LaPorta will likely return to his reliable self this week against a Broncos defense that has continued to get torched by TE's even as they've gotten much better on the whole over the past 7 or 8 games.

Dishonorable Mentions: Dalton Kincaid (Bills), Dallas Goedert (Eagles), Pat Friermuth (Steelers)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Saints

Naturally, the Saints D's return to fantasy relevancy after a month-or-so hiatus was made possible by the 1-win Panthers and their painfully inept offense. Carolina surrendered 4 sacks and lost 2 fumbles (1 of which was returned for a TD) as they got smacked around yet again in a 28-6 loss. The Saints D/ST will be an appealing but undeniably risky play when they host the Giants in Week 15. 

Honorable Mentions: Browns, Jets, Dolphins

LVP: Steelers

Part of the fun of playing the Steelers defense is never knowing when they're going to shit the bed. A Thursday Night Contest against the Bailey Zappe-led Patriots seemed like one of the least likely spots for it to occur, so of course it did. They picked up a couple of sacks and an INT late to salvage their line a bit, but the damage was already done as they allowed 21 points to a group that had scored just 13 combined in their previous 3 games and only cleared 17 twice all season coming into this meeting. They'll get a chance to restore honor to their name on Saturday against the trick-or-treat Colts offense that is coming off a horrid outing against the Bengals.

Dishonorable Mentions: Packers, Texans, Lions

Jeffrey Wright Ranked

Welcome to "Ranked", a weekly column where I rank a franchise or filmography from worst to best and hand out assorted related superlatives. This week, I'm profiling the work of Jeffrey Wright-whose latest project "American Fiction" releases in NYC/LA theaters Thursday and begins its nationwide expansion on December 21st.

Jeffrey Wright's Filmography Ranked:

19.Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (D+)

18.Broken City (C-)

17.Asteroid City (C-)

16.Lady in the Water (C+)

15.Casino Royale (C+)

14.Rustin (B-)

13.Quantum of Solace (B-)

12.The French Dispatch (B-)

11.Cadillac Records (B)

10.Shaft (B)

9.The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (B)

8.The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (B)

7.Hold the Dark (B)

6.The Ides of March (B)

5.No Time to Die (B+)

4.Source Code (A)

3.The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (A)

2.Game Night (A)

1.The Batman (A+)

Top Dog: The Batman (2022)

Melancholic, full of vivid world-building and brilliantly written, directed, shot and acted, The Batman is a stone cold masterpiece that raises the bar for all future superhero adaptations. The next installment-which is set to begin shooting early next year-can not arrive soon enough.   

Bottom Feeder: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

They really don't make a whole lot of manipulative tearjerker Oscar bait trash like this anymore!!! As much as this movie made me cringe with the way it uses 9/11 to serve its completely absurd fictional story, it ultimately worked as the film was nominated for Best Picture, so kudos to the makers of this film for pulling off a successful hustle. 

Most Underrated: Source Code (2011)

Are there more "complex" and "thought-provoking" original sci-fi films out there than Source Code? Sure, but there aren't many that can match it in the entertainment value department as Duncan Jones packs a whole lot of suspense, twists and fun into its relentlessly propulsive 93-minute runtime. Bonus points go to Jake Gyllenhaal, Vera Farmiga and Wright for turning in excellent performances in a movie that really didn't need great acting to succeed.   

Most Overrated: Casino Royale (2006) 

Daniel Craig is right up there with Sean Connery as my pick for the best James Bond and there are multiple entries that he led that I believe are elite entries in this franchise. However, I also think his first go-round as Bond is wildly overrated. Nearly everything in Casino Royale from the torture scene to Mads Mikkelsen's performance as the villain were overhyped to oblivion and the whole idea of the climax of a Bond movie being a fucking card game continues to bother me after all these years.  

Shea Whigham Ranked

Welcome to "Ranked", a weekly series where I rank a franchise or filmography from worst to best and hand out assorted superlatives. This week, I'm profiling the work of Shea Whigham-whose latest project "Eileen" is in theaters now.

Shea Whigham's Filmography Ranked:

29.Joker (D-)

28.Cop Car (D-)

27.Beirut (D+)

26.Man of the House (C-)

25.Pride and Glory (C)

24.Lords of Dogtown (C)

23.First Man (B-)

22.Star Trek Beyond (B-)

21.Vampires vs. the Bronx (B)

20.The Gray Man (B)

19.Savages (B)

18.Fast and Furious (B)

17.The Lincoln Lawyer (B)

16.F9 (B+)

15.Sicario: Day of the Soldado (B+)

14.Small Engine Repair (B+)

13.Wheelman (B+)

12.Non-Stop (B+)

11.Fast and Furious 6 (B+)

10.Bad Times at the El Royale (B+)

9.Vice (B+)

8.Kong: Skull Island (B+)

7.Take Shelter (B+)

6.The Wolf of Wall Street (B+)

5.Mission-Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One (B+)

4.Machete (A-)

3.Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (A-)

2.American Hustle (A)

1.Silver Linings Playbook (A)

Top Dog: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The film that earned Jennifer Lawrence an Oscar, finally got people to take Bradley Cooper seriously as an actor and allowed Robert De Niro to turn in his first great performance in over a decade remains a special project. Through its strong characterization and open-hearted writing, it's able to gracefully blend some pretty heavy drama and light romantic comedy to become a uniquely warm crowdpleaser.    

Bottom Feeder: Joker (2019)

Todd Phillips proved he has no business being in the world of dramatic filmmaking with this pathetic character study that is so desperate to be provocative, shocking and profound that it quickly becomes completely fucking insufferable to sit through.   

Most Underrated: Wheelman (2017)

This offering from the undiscovered abyss of Netflix's original film library is a terrific little contained thriller about an unnamed getaway driver (Frank Grillo) who is forced to figure out who set him up to die after a botched bank robbery. Grillo is in top form as the grizzled veteran driver who finally gets burned after decades on the job and at just 82 minutes, writer/director Jeremy Rush is able to keep the tension high throughout by keeping the action moving at a rapid clip and knowing exactly when to wrap things up.

Most Overrated: Joker (2019)

This isn't just my pick for the most overrated movie that Whigham has appeared in, I believe Joker is at the bare minimum the single most overrated movie to be released from 2019-present day. The embrace of this film by the general public is one thing as it's an "edgy" R-rated movie about the origins of the most iconic villain in the Batman universe, but the love it got from awards shows and the Venice Film Festival-where it won the prestigious Golden Lion- in a cinematic year that was as stacked as 2019 was will continue to deeply baffle me for as long as my brain remains functional. 

Best Movies I Forgot Whigham Was In: Machete (2010), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Non-Stop (2014), Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), Vice (2018)

Whigham is one of the busiest character actors working in Hollywood today. The downside to him being in so many things is that his roles tend to be very small and I'll be completely honest, I didn't really know who he was until Perry Mason hit HBO's airwaves in the summer of 2020. As a result, there are a bunch of movies that I completely forgot he was in until I was putting together this very piece, so I figured it was only fitting that I acknowledged my favorites from that group. I'm sure I won't forget he was in them whenever I get around to re-watching them.  

2023 NFL Power Rankings: Week 14

 ()=Previous Ranking

1.(2) San Francisco 49ers (9-3) Week 14 opponent: Seattle Seahawks 

2.(4) Miami Dolphins (9-3) Week 14 opponent: Tennessee Titans 

3.(1) Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) Week 14 opponent: Dallas Cowboys 

4.(6) Dallas Cowboys (9-3) Week 14 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles

5.(5) Baltimore Ravens (9-3) Week 14 opponent: Los Angeles Rams

6.(3) Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Buffalo Bills

7.(7) Detroit Lions (9-3) Week 14 opponent: Chicago Bears

8.(10) Houston Texans (7-5) Week 14 opponent: New York Jets

9.(8) Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Cleveland Browns

10.(17) Green Bay Packers (6-6) Week 14 opponent: New York Giants

11.(9) Denver Broncos (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers

12.(15) Indianapolis Colts (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals

13.(18) Los Angeles Rams (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Baltimore Ravens

14.(14) Buffalo Bills (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs

15.(13) Seattle Seahawks (6-6) Week 14 opponent: San Francisco 49ers

16.(16) Minnesota Vikings (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Las Vegas Raiders

17.(22) Cincinnati Bengals (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Indianapolis Colts

18.(12) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) Week 14 opponent: New England Patriots 

19.(11) Cleveland Browns (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars

20.(19) Atlanta Falcons (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

21.(21) Los Angeles Chargers (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Denver Broncos

22.(20) New Orleans Saints (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Carolina Panthers

23.(23) Las Vegas Raiders (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Minnesota Vikings

24.(24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Atlanta Falcons

25.(25) Chicago Bears (4-8) Week 14 opponent: Detroit Lions

26.(26) Washington Commanders (4-9) Week 14 opponent: Bye

27.(27) New York Giants (4-8) Week 14 opponent: Green Bay Packers

28.(31) Arizona Cardinals (3-10) Week 14 opponent: Bye

29.(28) Tennessee Titans (3-9) Week 14 opponent: Miami Dolphins

30.(29) New York Jets (4-8) Week 14 opponent: Houston Texans

31.(30) New England Patriots (2-10) Week 14 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers

32.(32) Carolina Panthers (1-11) Week 14 opponent: New Orleans Saints

Week 13 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2023 Edition

Quarterback

MVP: Brock Purdy (49ers) 

It's been up-and-down for anybody that's committed to Purdy as their QB1, but the people that stuck with him through his horrendous October were majorly rewarded on Sunday as he overcame a quiet 1st quarter to absolutely shred the Eagles secondary (314 YDS, 4 TD's) in a stunning blowout road win for the 49ers. Purdy will face the Seahawks for the 2nd time in 3 weeks in Week 14.

Honorable Mentions: Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Geno Smith (Seahawks), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)

LVP: Justin Herbert (Chargers)

Rainy conditions and another string of heinous drops by his receivers prevented Herbert from doing much of anything on Sunday against the Patriots as he finished the game with 212 passing YDS, 0 TD's 0 turnovers and -5 rushing YDS on 4 carries. Herbert will hope to regroup and return to the endzone in this week's divisional showdown against the Broncos.

Dishonorable Mentions: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Kyler Murray (Cardinals), Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers)

Running Back

MVP: Joe Mixon (Bengals)

Jake Browning's remarkable performance against the Jaguars last night might've stolen all the real-life headlines, but in the fantasy realm it was all about Mixon. The Bengals back got a whole lot of work in this OT thriller and made the most out of it, turning his 25 touches (19 carries, 6 receptions) into 117 scrimmage YDS and 2 rushing TD's. Mixon-whose quietly been a steady RB1 since the Bengals came off their bye in Week 8-has a huge plus matchup against the Colts soft run defense in Week 14.  

Honorable Mentions: Alvin Kamara (Saints), Derrick Henry (Titans), De'Von Achane (Dolphins)

LVP: Austin Ekeler (Chargers)

Ekeler predictably got stuffed by the Patriots quietly excellent run D (18 YDS on 14 carries), but his lack of involvement in the passing game (2 REC/9 YDS) is just puzzling considering how much the Pats have struggled to contain pass-catching RB's at times this year and it led to a crippling dud of a performance in all formats. A date with a Broncos D that has been horrible at containing RB's for most of the season couldn't be arriving at a better time for Ekeler-whose turned in 3 straight underwhelming showings. 

Dishonorable Mentions: D'Andre Swift (Eagles), Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions), Jaylen Warren (Steelers) 

Wide Receiver 

MVP: DK Metcalf (Seahawks)

DaRon Bland has to be thrilled that he probably won't seeing Metcalf again this season. The Seahawks star receiver flat-out embarrassed the Cowboys 2nd year CB as he turned in one of the best games of his career (6 REC/134 YDS/3 TD's). Next up for Metcalf is a chance at redeeming himself against the 49ers tough secondary after he managed just 3 catches for 32 YDS against them in Week 12.   

Honorable Mentions: Deebo Samuel (49ers), Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Nico Collins (Texans)

LVP: Terry McLaurin (Commanders)

For only the 2nd time in his pro career, McLaurin was held without a catch. Shockingly, the Commanders WR1 managed only 3 targets on a day where Sam Howell threw for only 127 YDS against a feisty Dolphins defense that fully committed to disrupting their aerial attack. McLaurin gets the chance to regroup this week as the Commanders finally get their bye and will face the Rams in Week 15. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Drake London (Falcons), Calvin Ridley (Jaguars), Tee Higgins (Bengals)

Tight End

MVP: Sam LaPorta (Lions)

LaPorta put together the best performance of his young career so far by exploding for 140 YDS and a TD on 9 receptions against the Saints on Sunday afternoon. The rookie will continue his quest towards the record books for his position this week against a Bears team that held him in check (3 REC/18 YDS in their earlier meeting this season. 

Honorable Mentions: Trey McBride (Cardinals), Evan Engram (Jaguars), Jake Ferguson (Cowboys)

LVP: Cade Otton (Buccaneers)

Otton's hot streak (by 2023 TE standards at least) of 2 straight games with 4 REC's and 45+ YDS came to a brutal end as he didn't receive a single target against the Panthers. To be fair to Otton, receivers not named Mike Evans accounted for 7 REC's and 40 YDS as Baker Mayfield only completed 14 passes against the 4th ranked pass D in the league. Otton should be more involved in Week 14 when they square off against the Falcons.

Dishonorable Mentions: David Njoku (Browns), Logan Thomas (Commanders), Pat Friermuth (Steelers)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Chargers

No, this isn't a misprint or a bit. Brandon Staley's Chargers-who are ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every defensive metric of consequence-put together a brilliant performance on Sunday as they picked up 5 sacks and a fumble recovery in a 6-0 victory over the Patriots. Despite the Broncos' offense's struggles with turnovers and sacks allowed, giving the Chargers D/ST an encore performance in your starting lineup in Week 14 would be an ill-advised move that could yield disastrous results. 

Honorable Mentions: Falcons, Dolphins, Jets

LVP: Cowboys 

Man oh man did the Cowboys vaunted D get more than bargained for when they faced an allegedly struggling Seahawks offense last Thursday night. Outside of a lone sack and INT late in the game, Dan Quinn's group got lit up as the 'Hawks hung 35 points on them and probably would've won the game if their own defense could've come up with just 1 stop in the 4th quarter. The 'Boys have another rough task ahead of them this week as they square off against an explosive Eagles offense that had success against them back in Week 9. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Browns, Eagles, Steelers 

Movie Review: Silent Night

Any lingering excitement I had about John Woo's return to English-language cinema after a 20-year hiatus died by the halfway mark of Silent Night. The Hong Kong action titan basically came back to the US to make an inferior, (nearly) dialogue-free riff on the not-exactly-great 2018 Pierre Morel/Jennifer Garner feature Peppermint. That's like if Tom Brady came out of retirement this spring to play in the XFL, only to go 5-7 and fail to make the playoffs.

Expecting Woo to return to the scene with the next Hard Boiled, The Killer or even Face/Off would've been extremely unfair. Expecting something that demonstrates anything above the base level of  competency for a theatrical action movie however would be totally reasonable and Silent Night simply does not do that. 

Over the past five years or so, you'd be hard-pressed to find something in this genre that is more comfortable with just coasting along than Silent Night. It absolutely looks the part of an R-rated shoot'em up extravaganza as bullets fly, cars crash and bodies explode on screen. All of these things just happen to be delivered with so little panache or urgency that they land with zero weight whatsoever. Some signs of life show up at the 11th hour in the form of a solid final action setpiece that is primarily driven by an extended winding stairwell shootout, but it's far too little, far too late to save this film from avoiding its aggressively mediocre fate. 

What's most disheartening about Silent Night is that all the roads responsible for its failure lead back to Woo. Joel Kinnaman gives a committed lead performance as a revenge-seeking father left mute by a bullet wound that's out to avenge the death of his son a year after he was murdered by a stray bullet from a drive-by shooting, the sound mixing does a great job of accentuating the sounds of its environment to compensate for the lack of speaking without overdoing it to the point where it becomes distractingly loud or chaotic and while undeniably generic, Robert Archer Lynn's script has the bones for a solid meat-and-potatoes action flick if it were made with style and urgency. But alas their efforts to deliver a commendable genre effort are stomped out by a legend who has either lost his directorial  instincts or whose heart simply isn't in it anymore now that he's hit his late 70's. How Woo's next project-an English-language remake of his aforementioned 1989 classic The Killer starring Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel-turns out will reveal more about where he truly is at this stage of his career, but Silent Night makes a pretty convincing argument that he should've remained retired.           

Grade: C