Due to the huge success obtained by super-heroes in the big screen, we hadn't seen a film based on a "mature" comic (ie, not including cloaks, super-powers or cosmic battles) in various years. Term Life is based on an "adult" graphic novel (from Image Comics) written by Andy Lieberman and illustrated by Nick Thornborrow. Lieberman himself adapted the screenplay, and along with director Peter Billingsley, they were able to create a very entertaining movie which makes the comic justice despite altering many of its elements. Some changes are small details, while other ones substantially change the premise (the affairs of the life insurance and the 21 days are barely mentioned in the film). However, the differences ended up being irrelevant, because Term Life made me have quite a good time and left me satisfied. I had found Vince Vaughn unable to play serious roles until I saw him in the second season of True Detective, and I changed my mind. His performance in Term Life displays once more his capacity to handle the drama and the action with equal credibility. Hailee Steinfeld also makes a competent work as his daughter, and she has a good chemistry with Vaughn. The interaction between father and daughter is the dramatic axis of Term Life, and it makes it more interesting than a simple tale about betrayal and criminal revenge. But that doesn't mean that the criminal aspect is neglected either; on the opposite, the initial robbery planned by the main character is well planned, and its consequences are ingenious and unexpected. In the supporting cast, we find many solid character actors (Jonathan Banks, Jon Favreau, Bill Paxton, Terrence Howard, Mike Epps, Taraji P. Henson and Jordi Mollà) who enrich the experience with their mere presence. Comparing it to other films based on thriller or action comics (without super- heroes), I would place Term Life above The Losers, but below A History of Violence or Road to Perdition. However, as I said on the beginning of this review, the comic origin is just a cultural curiosity; despite not being a great movie, Term Life works pretty well as an interesting thriller with good performances, dynamic direction and a well written screenplay, so I recommend it with confidence.

Vince Vaughn and Hailee Steinfeld elevate a Routine Action-Drama with some Good Father-Daughter Chemistry that keeps this one going when the Narrative lapses with Clunky Connections and Uninspired Storytelling.Slightly Above Average Time-Filler that has a Major Distraction of Familiar Actors with so little Screen Time that Draws Attention and not in a good way. The Idea of peppering the Picture with Recognizable "Names" only to be Woefully abandon and Never to be Seen Again is a Decision of Questionable Consideration.It's a rather Charming Exercise Otherwise. Vaughn is a Likable Dad that all but Abandon His Daughter but is shown to be More Involved in Her Life than She realized. Keeping in the Shadows, He is now forced to Intervene, because She is in Danger from some Criminals. His Criminal Ways have caught up and now both are caught up between Drug Lords and Corrupt Cops.It's a Good Turn for Vaughn although His Recent Outing in HBO's Second Season of "True Detective" preceded this "Straight" Role and Impressed. Hailee Steinfeld Steals some Scenes and the Two are Tasked to bring down Bill Paxton's Cop that is a Slime-Ball. Paxton pulls the Character off quite well. Overall the Domestic Drama is what Emerges as Significant and the Constant Peril is the Vehicle that motivates the Interaction and together it makes for some Entertainment that is Worth a Watch.

"Term Life" fails to deliver on the promise of its premise. It has an interesting premise. A man facing imminent and unavoidable death takes out a life insurance police to provide for his estranged daughter and must contrive to survive extraordinary odds until the policy takes effect. Somehow, I equate the film to Jason Stratham's "Crank," but rather than having less than a day, Vaughn's character has three weeks, which lends a leisurely pace. Hailee Steinfeld was great in "True Grit," but isn't given much to work with here. At twenty, she looks possibly twenty-four and seems far too mature to play sixteen – and for what? Her character could just as easily be in her mid twenties. There is relatively little chemistry here. I felt more chemistry in "Safe," another Stratham film, between him and the Chinese kid. Steinfeld's character isn't particularly interesting or even three-dimensional. The plot seems familiar, with elements we've seen before. The characters are fairly two-dimensional. Cinematography is weak with a lot of jigglycam shots. I don't actually remember a single shot that looked as if a rigid camera mount was utilized. The action scenes are of the caliber of episodic television series. Some plot developments seem implausible. Several characters seem to know more than they could possibly know in real life. Overall, it's a watchable low-budget film that devotes too much attention to a relationship that isn't particularly interesting. At 93 minutes, it could probably be cut to 70 or less without losing much. Performances are generally competent, particularly with Vaughn, but hampered by an unimaginative script.

I'm really surprised about the mostly negative reviews about this movie.I am a fan of Vince Vaughan but this was different from his usual comedy roles. There was some light hearted humour in this movie but certainly wouldn't categorize it as a comedy.I found the film a little different entirely from most films and would probably categorize it as an action movie.Anyway I thought Vince Vaughan played the part very well as a very methodical and clinical person who suddenly needs to protect his estranged daughter. I'm probably a little biased as I love Vince Vaughan's dry almost sarcastic sense of humour which still comes through in this part he plays. The story was interesting and fresh with a few twists here and there. I kept my focus on the movie which is rare these days as I quite often drift off into oblivion especially the bad movies. I thought the acting was good and Vince Vaughan kept his main character alive and interesting. I thought it proved that Vince can play other roles,so well done! Vince. The ending was predictable but hell what film isn't there the best ones. So just enjoy the ride.