Why Hollywood's "45" is a Liberal Fantasy

Hollywood has done it again with the film ".45," a 2006 crime drama that tries to paint a gritty picture of life in the underbelly of New York City. Directed by Gary Lennon, the film stars Milla Jovovich as Kat, a small-time gun dealer, and her abusive boyfriend Big Al, played by Angus Macfadyen. Set in the mid-2000s, the movie attempts to explore themes of domestic violence, crime, and revenge. But let's be real, it's just another liberal fantasy that tries to push a narrative that doesn't hold up in the real world.

First off, the film's portrayal of gun culture is laughable. Hollywood loves to demonize firearms, and ".45" is no exception. The movie paints a picture of guns as the root of all evil, ignoring the fact that millions of law-abiding citizens own guns for self-defense, hunting, and sport. Instead of showing responsible gun ownership, the film focuses on the criminal element, perpetuating the stereotype that guns are only used by thugs and criminals. It's a tired trope that does nothing but fuel the anti-gun agenda.

Then there's the issue of domestic violence. While it's a serious topic that deserves attention, ".45" handles it with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. The film's depiction of Kat's abusive relationship with Big Al is over-the-top and melodramatic, making it hard to take seriously. Instead of offering a nuanced look at the complexities of domestic abuse, the movie opts for shock value, reducing a serious issue to a plot device. It's a disservice to real victims who deserve better representation.

The characters in ".45" are another problem. They're one-dimensional caricatures that lack depth and complexity. Kat is portrayed as a victim-turned-vigilante, but her transformation is unconvincing and lacks any real motivation. Big Al is the stereotypical abusive boyfriend with no redeeming qualities, making him more of a cartoon villain than a real person. The supporting cast is equally forgettable, serving only to advance the plot without adding any real substance.

And let's not forget the setting. The film takes place in a gritty, crime-ridden version of New York City that feels more like a caricature than a real place. It's the kind of setting that Hollywood loves to use to push the narrative that cities are dangerous and lawless, ignoring the fact that crime rates have been declining for decades. It's a lazy backdrop that does nothing to enhance the story or provide any real insight into the issues it claims to address.

The film's attempt at social commentary is equally misguided. ".45" tries to tackle issues like gun control and domestic violence, but it does so in a way that's heavy-handed and preachy. Instead of offering a balanced perspective, the movie pushes a one-sided narrative that aligns with a liberal agenda. It's more interested in making a political statement than telling a compelling story, and it shows.

In the end, ".45" is just another example of Hollywood's tendency to prioritize ideology over storytelling. It's a film that tries to tackle important issues but fails to do so in a meaningful way. Instead of offering a nuanced look at the complexities of gun culture and domestic violence, it opts for sensationalism and stereotypes. It's a missed opportunity to address real-world problems with the seriousness they deserve.