Ransom

The ideal trio of man and wife and cherished child suddenly have their happiness ruined by doubtful employees and their opportunist associates. Gibson wants to keep the matter quiet and give up the money at once to be sure of his son's safety but his screen wife says 'no' and insists on involving the FBI.

The FBI operation starts well with undercover work and secrecy. However, an arranged drop of the ransom goes horrifically wrong when the real kidnapper watches on as an accomplice gets rumbled as he makes the pick-up.

The mastermind doesn't want to give up, after all he's got this far and he knows the money is there and as someone with knowledge of police procedures he's confident he won't get caught.

However, Gibson has a change of heart and decides to go public. He puts up the ransom money for a reward instead because he thinks he'll never see his boy alive again.

The drama continues with all roles played very well and the film has plenty of action from start to finish. It's an old plot up-dated to appeal to the modern audience and has a happy ending for the boy - even if he is left with nightmares and is still affected by the trauma of his ordeal. There is a very bloody climax to the film but it's helped by a few amusing, inadvertent situations making very clear the message that 'crime doesn't pay' very clear.

There's an hour or two of good viewing with a well made film so stock up with the pop corn or your own favourite goodies and go along to your local cinema to see it. As I say it isn't a new theme but it has its own identity so you won't be bored. Happy viewing.

Reviewed by Sandra Chapman

FILM FACTS IN BRIEF
Directed by Ron Howard
Produced by Scott Rodin and Brian Grazer.
Starring Mel Gibson, Renee Russo and Gary Sinese.
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