I was greatly saddened to learn of Charles Bronson’s death last week. I never thought of him as a particularly great actor, but he had a squint to rival Clint Eastwood’s, and, of course, he was also famous for being a gunslinger.

I’d recommend picking up Death Wish, if you’ve never seen it (and even if you have). The film is a picture-perfect example of big-screen manipulation, here in the guise of getting back at urban punks during one of many ’70s crime waves. This ’74 original spawned a slew of inferior sequels; the series rivals Happy Days in its decline from pop culture greatness to utter stupidity. Which brings me to the final sequel, a film Canadians can be proud to have their nation’s stamp on (it was filmed in T.O.). Death Wish V: The Face of Death (’94) is possibly one of the most inept revenge films ever. Honestly, it must be seen to be believed: my favourite part comes when someone is literally Saran-wrapped to death. Charlie, thanks for making the big-screen universe a safer place for paranoiacs like me. You rest in peace.

» Matthew Hays