Everyone I talked to recently wanted Ron Howard's "Ransom" to
succeed and it certainly does. Mel Gibson is perfect as the loving dad
who has built an airline out of taking chances and he keeps taking those
chances when his only son is kidnapped. I'm not pleased with the Touchstone
execs who decided to put the movie's big plot twist in the commercial, but
at least I'm not giving anything away when I tell you that after the kidnapping
Gibson decides to turn the tables on the kidnapper and offer a bounty on
his head. That means that everyone who has seen the commercial (and I'm
assuming that is 99% of America) is now waiting for the scene that is so
dramatic that the exec just couldn't resist using it! Luckily, "Ransom"
is also bolstered by numerous other plot devices and a superb cast. Rene
Russo never gets center stage as Mom and corporate wife, but she certainly
shines in those few moments when the light is cast her way. Delroy Lindo,
who is becoming one of my favorite actors, gives his FBI agent heart and
soul in a very limited space. I was particularly impressed with Evan Handler,
who plays a balding, alcoholic hacker with a great sense of humor. He adds
the light touches that break the tension in such a deft manner that I was
starting to like him even if he was a kidnapper. Gary Sinise, Donnie Wahlberg
(yes, the former New Kid on the Block), and indie favorite Lili Taylor are
exceptional. Well, maybe it's Ron Howard who should get the lion's share
of the credit. With "Apollo 13" he took a story that everyone
knew and made a suspenseful hit, so we shouldn't be too surprised that he
has taken a basic kidnapping story and made it the best edge-of-the-seat
thriller this season. And if you ever doubted Mel Gibson's acting ability,
just watch him roar as the father lion protecting his cub. "Ransom"
is the movie that everyone will be talking about, so try to find a theater
that isn't sold out and enjoy the tension.
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