The plot of “Ransom” details any parent’s worst nightmare. The concept of having a child stolen from you and held for ransom would have to be about the most terrifying experience known to man, and for a blockbuster suspense movie, “Ransom” portrays that excellently.
Big budget films have taken to a trend of using an extremely personal story and turning it into a basis for excessive gunfire or highly theatrical but impersonal courtroom dramas. Such a practice is becoming so common that “Ransom,” by not following the trend, is a surprise.
Something else that amazed me was that the cameras spent the most time on Mel Gibson, the father of the kidnapped child. Beyond that, Gibson does the part justice. His talents, already proven in big-screen vehicles like “Braveheart” and “Hamlet,” add tremendously to the realism of the movie.
For those who liked Ron Howard’s last film, “Apollo 13,” “Ransom” must be for you. “Apollo 13’s” enormous success must have been in part, if not mostly, due to Howard’s combination of sensitivity and power.
In “Apollo 13,” Howard expertly balanced the suspense of a failing space flight and the real-life concerns of one of the pilot’s family below. This blend will provide for the same success for “Ransom.”
Another aspect of “Apollo 13” that is evident in “Ransom” is the spectacular acting all around. I’ve already touched on what Gibson brought to the film, but by no means does the acting skill end there.
Rene Russo plays the kidnapped boys mother. At first, she is simply trying to cope, but then she must stand up against her husband when he makes a poor judgement call and her life is put in danger.
Delroy Lindo, one of the best character actors in the business, plays the leader of the FBI investigation into the kidnapping. He ends up having to play the mediator between husband and wife, and pulls off that all-too-real character with ease.
Last, but certainly not least, is Gary Sinise. He plays perhaps the most complex role in the film, and makes it look like it was written for him. To divulge too much about his character would be disclosing too much of the film, so I’ll leave it at that.
Except for the few people that might get a little jumpy at the violence, I can’t imagine that many movie-goers wouldn’t thoroughly enjoy “Ransom.” There is enough suspense to keep anyone on the edge of their seat for the two hours of the film, and enough else to keep someone from losing interest after the first one.
Grade: A