Hostage

Plot

A year after hostage negotiator Jeff Talley has three fatalities under one of his jobs, unable to get over the loss, he has retreated to be the Police Captain of a small-town community.

One day three young goons attempt to steal a family’s car, but end up taking the family hostage, when the Dad fights back, and brutally beaten.

Jeff hands control over to higher powers, but he is called back when a second party of bad guys need something from “inside the house” – and have taken his family hostage to make him get it for them.

Direction

Primarily filmed in ‘dark’ as most of the film occurs at night time, it is very easy to follow the action and story point. Some recent television shows should have taken note.

From the opening credits (which I found had Frank Miller vibes) – the action starts early and is engaging from the get go.

I particularly thought several moments were done really well, like some of the dolly work as the camera follows Jeff wile he runs, and there is a clever moment when the camera pans into a screen and then transitions into the moment. There are some clever moments where characters interact between doors or walls and we are able to see them both on screen.

Cast/Characters

Willis excels in the role as Talley. This was in his ‘post John McClane’ action films era before his health decline. This is one of his forgotten gems that he gave it his all for.

The trio of goons are mostly forgettable (especially the two brothers) and Ben Foster’s ‘Mars’ feels more at place in a film from a decade earlier. It is a rather ‘aged’ personality type that feels more pathetic than frightening and scary.

Kevin Pollack is a little underused as the dad of the kidnap victims held hostage. He gets a little to do in the bookends of the film.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

I felt the story and screenplay was done reasonably well, especially as the plot develops and adds twists to make the story progress (Jeff’s family being kidnapped, and who kidnapped them).

I found the final part of the third act – when Jeff goes to get his family back a little rushed – especially given how threatening the kidnappers were prior to this.

Score/Soundtrack

Solid soundtrack really adds to the tension of the film – with suspenseful elements. I almost felt it had Hitchcockian vibes to it.

Overall

I really enjoyed this, it was a solidly made film, with mostly great performances – and it strengthened by a great screenplay.

Some minor nit-picks as mentioned, but a strong recommend, and one of Willis’ best mid 00s action films.

4/5