The Defender
Performance & Direction: The Defender Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Defender (2004) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Defender features a noteworthy lineup led by Dolph Lundgren . Supported by the likes of Jerry Springer and Shakara Ledard , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Defender (2004) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Defender
Quick Plot Summary: The Defender is a Action, Thriller film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Defender
Ending Breakdown: The Defender attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Defender reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Defender?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Defender
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Defender Budget
The estimated production budget for The Defender is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Defender
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Defender Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Defender Parents Guide & Age Rating
2004 AdvisoryWondering about The Defender age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Defender is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Defender stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2004 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Defender worth watching?
The Defender is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 4.6/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Defender parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Defender identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Defender?
The total duration of The Defender is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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