Donato and Daughter (1993) (aka: Dead to Rights) starring Charles Bronson, Dana Delany, Xander Berkeley, Jenette Goldstein directed by Rod Holcomb Movie Review

Donato and Daughter (1993)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Charles Bronson in Donato and Daughter (1993) (aka: Dead to Rights)

Like Father, Like Daughter

Sgt. Mike Donato (Charles Bronson) and daughter Lt. Dena Donato (Dana Delany) might both be on the same side of the law but they don't see eye to eye as their relationship is a frosty one because of her brother who was also a cop. But they are going to have to put aside their issues which make them snipe at each other and work together on a case as a serial killer/rapist is targeting the nun community in L.A.

Whilst Eastwood ruled the city action movies during the 70s you could say that Charles Bronson took over during the 80s as he found himself in one movie after another which played on his action hero side. Unfortunately for Bronson he was unable to shake the image as whilst he appeared in other movies he would find himself cast in movies such as "Donato and Daughter" which played to his action side despite getting on in years. It is sadly the movie's weakness as Bronson whilst always entertaining just couldn't deliver the action like he could just a decade earlier.

Dana Delany in Donato and Daughter (1993) (aka: Dead to Rights)

Anyway get passed the fact that in many ways Bronson was wrong for this movie because of his movie past "Donato and Daughter" is middle of the road entertaining because it gives two stories. There is the semi entertaining serial killer side with a sicko with a thing for nuns but there is the more entertaining mystery over the issues between father and daughter involving her brother. What we slowly learn is that he was a cop and may have been dirty and Mike may have shopped him but we don't know for sure, we don't even know if he is alive or dead and that intrigues us just as much if not more than the actual serial killer storyline.

Now I have already mentioned Charles Bronson in my eyes being wrong for "Donato and Daughter" but in truth his performance is on par with those around him. Dana Delany as attractive as his daughter Dena but lacks the power to convince as a Lt. as she is just a little too lightweight. It is the same with the rest of the actors who play the cops as they are too laid back t be believable.

What this all boils down to is that "Donato and Daughter" is middle of road all the way from the storyline to the acting through to the characters. It is not terrible but the sort of movie which a week after watching you will have forgotten about.


LATEST REVIEWS