Ransom (1996)
Someone is going to pay
Starring: Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, Brawley Nolte, Gary Sinise, Delroy Lindo, Lili Taylor, Live Schrieber, Donnie Wahlberg, Evan Handler, Nancy Ticotin, Michael Gaston
Director: Ron Howard
Running Time: 121 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 18
Action, Drama, Thriller
On DVD I love the moment where Mel Gibson, playing a sort of non-offensive Richard Branson, yells 'GIVE ME BACK MY SON!' down the phone at his sprog's kidnapper. It's around about this point that 'Ransom' turns from straight-down-the-middle generic abduction thriller to something a bit different. It gets a little darker, a little more inventive, and considerably more interesting.
Gibbers is Tom Mullen, the high-flying (groan) boss of a successful airline who's spent the past three months trying to hide the fact that he's been bribing union officials. Sensing from the media coverage that our man's 'a payer', bent copper Gary Sinise pulls together a gang of knuckle-draggers, nabs Tom's son (Brawley Nolte - Nick Nolte's real-life offspring, don'tcha know), and demands the big bucks for his safe return.
After initially jumping through various hoops at the whim of his son's captors, Tom eventually hatches a plan to give this nasty piece of work some food for thought. And, though I can't say what it is here because it would give the whole hook of the film away, it's bloody good.
'Ransom' at first appears to be shaping up as an instantly forgettable and unapologetically mainstream thriller - but some wonderful twists around the midway point make the second half of this movie an unexpected treat. Director Ron 'Richie' Howard doesn't quite get to grips with letting us into what makes the lead characters tick. But there's a genuinely thrilling plot that will keep your eyes fixed to the screen with increasing intensity as things progress.
DVD Extras: Director's audio commentary, deleted scenes. 'What Would You Do?' featurette. 'Between Takes' and theatrical trailer.
It's Got: An unexpectedly violent ending.
It Needs: To be persisted with - the opening can be a little dull, but the story that unfolds is worth the wait.
Alternatives: The Fugitive, Ransom (1956 original version)
Summary: Great Friday night popcorn fodder - well worth a rent.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 29th September 2003
External Links
Ransom at the IMDB
Comments1 Comment |
| very good i enjoyed the bit with the bomb in the teddy bear. have i got the right film?? i dont thing so NEVERMIND hahahahaha |
| Comment by:- kc conner | | 01 December 2004 | ip: logged |
