Kidnap, starring Halle Berry, tells the story of a woman who takes her son’s kidnapping into her own hands to rescue him. The film takes place throughout Louisiana and is shot beautifully. The film doesn’t have much run time, but this is mostly due to its lack of filler and the fact that it quickly progresses. What impresses me the most about the film is the fact that most of it takes place during this long and dramatic car chase consisting of an old Ford and a red Chrysler minivan. After watching the movie, I’m still unsure of how they managed to keep me entertained through such a long sequence.
Kidnap will be a better movie to watch with friends than alone. The energy of a theater full of people made this movie a lot more enjoyable than it would be if I were watching it by myself. Furthermore, throughout watching the movie, there was a lot of debate around what we the viewers would do if we were in the same situation as the protagonist trying to rescue her son.
My only complaint about the film is that some of the dialogue felt a little bit outdated. However, this is something very hard to notice if you’re not actively trying to critique the film. I was a big fan of Halle Berry’s work, but her supporting cast could’ve used a bit of a lift. The kidnappers did accomplish their part in being terrifying and creepy, so points for that.
Towards the end of the film, the tone transfers into a scary movie-esque atmosphere with jump scares and I think that built the climax of the movie pretty well. Additionally, the action was great to watch too all throughout the film. It’s definitely one of those films where you cheer at the protagonist’s victories and actions, which is something that everyone could appreciate.
All in all, Kidnap isn’t a bad viewing option at all, and I would recommend it. Perfect for a date night, not exactly a family-friendly film by any means. The movie has its strengths and weaknesses, but I think it’s a strong thriller. Kidnap is in theaters now, so don’t miss it!
Until Next Time
JJ King
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