To offer a glimpse into how a normal, functioning human reacted to this film, my long-suffering wife was ready to go to bed after a long day. I popped this movie in and she stayed up because of her interest in it. Trust me, this is saying something.
This is a well-done thriller with a layered plot that is easily digestible. Bruce Willis is well cast in the role as a fallen hostage negotiator turned police chief who gets wrapped up in a bizarre conga line of hostage situations.
I think I’m the only reviewer who actually likes Willis’ work and looks forward to his films. Many times when you step into one of Bruce Willis’ movies you’re taking a risk. He’s about 50/50 on the good/crap scale. I think of it as Willis Roulette. Click…Click…Click…yeah! I got Die Hard! Click…Click…Click, oh man, Last Man Standing, NO!
This film can’t decide if it’s really good or just above average. It is clear that director Florent Emilio Siri is talented and handles building tension and characters with ease. What is also clear is that Siri concentrates on his major scenes at the detriment of the others. Every scene or sequence that is vital to the plot is handled brilliantly.
The shots are carefully choreographed and the editing and lighting intrude to enhance the action. The scenes between these dozen or so sequences are handled in a far more stock and disregarded way. Do not get me wrong, these scenes aren’t bad or even below average. They are just not as carefully handled as the major sequences. If Siri tackled the whole piece with the same vision he put to these pivotal scenes, this could have been one of the best thrillers in years. As it is, it is the best thriller in months.
My snippiness aside, this is very well done and was overlooked at the box office. This is worth the rental price and well worth your time. I fully recommend picking this up and giving it a try. You’ll react the same way my long-suffering wife did and get pulled in.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
I found this to be a very pedestrian, highly predictable film and a complete disappointment. Wonder why Hollywood is losing revenue at the box office? It's because they make too many films like this one. I would not recommend this film to anyone nor would I see it again.
2 - Chris Beaumont
I enjoyed this film a lot. Siri is relatively new to the feature film game, most of his work was in video games. He shows an ability for this stuff and can only get better, I hope.
I was wrapped up from the moment those stylized opening credits started.
3 - Victor Lana
I think people either get Bruce or they don't. I just like him, especially in MOONLIGHTING and the DIE HARD movies. I mean, who can beat those "Yippee Ki-Ay" moments when he finally kicks the bad guy's ass?
I saw this movie and found it thoroughly watchable and what I would expect from a Bruce movie: no more or less. If you get Bruce, get wtch this one; other people should be watching SHALL WE DANCE?
4 - Chris Beaumont
The original Shall We Dance? is fantastic. The remake loses all of the heart and subtelty of the original, not to mention the cultural differences.
5 - Bennett
Watched this last night with my wife, and agree with Chris that the openning credits were hot.
The movie was better than just okay, I stuck around till the end and believe me, that's a huge indicator of my entertainment level.
But in the end I turned to my better half and said "Die Hard In A Mansion On A Hilltop".
Ah well.