'Brave One': Foster back with a vengeance

Someone really needs to tell Jodie Foster to stop making the same movies over and over.Foster's latest effort, "The Brave One," is one of those pictures that must have looked great on paper, but offers little on screen. Foster plays Erica Bain, a radio talk show host who roams New York City, "the safest big city in the world" nightly, recording the sounds and stories of the streets. When Erica and her fiancé Dr. David Kirmani (Naveen Andrews - "Lost") are savagely assaulted one night, he dies, and her physical and emotional wounds lead to overwhelming despair and fear, and the decision to take matters into her own hands.Foster, a two-time Academy Award-winner who also co-produced the film, is a smart and talented actress who has never looked or sounded better. Tiny and taut, Foster reflects determination and strength far better than other actresses. When Erica is in a contemplative, radio host mode, Foster displays a soothing, mellifluous presence, but when the character takes on the role of dark avenger, the film begins spiraling out of control, and no amount of talent can make up for the poor plot.Since 1988's "The Accused," Foster has made a point to focus on films about female empowerment. "The Silence of the Lambs," "Panic Room" and "Flight Plan" all featured lead characters that were victimized and ultimately fought back. Foster should have learned her lesson from 2005's "Flight Plan," which, while suspenseful, was highly implausible and performed badly at the box office. There is a fine line between "empowerment" films and the "women in peril," made-for-Lifetime TV movies.Academy Award-nominee Terrence Howard ("Hustle and Flow") plays NYPD detective Sean Mercer, who is determined to track down the "Vigilante Subway Killer." Howard, a fine and always watchable actor, does the best he can with an unbelievable character who finally realizes whodunit long after the audience does. Nicky Katt ("Grindhouse"), as Mercer's partner, delivers the film's only amusing banter. (By the way, are we to believe that New York City has only two working detectives?) Mary Steenburgen sleepwalks through her part and is completely wasted as Bain's radio show producer. It would be terrific if Foster, Howard, et al., would make a good film together, unfortunately "The Brave One" is not that film. If you really want to enjoy seeing Foster portray a powerful, pistol packin' mama, you might be better off renting "Maverick."