Capture Stories about robbers, as well as stories about the capture of a family, are likely to be eternally relevant themes of cinema. Sometimes the viewer is put on the side of the criminals, forcing to wish luck to certain heroes in robbing casinos, banks and so on, in other cases - on the contrary, by all means cause sympathy for the hostages, immersing in an atmosphere of tension and constant danger. And the picture of Schumacher, although much more related to the second case, but still gives the plot such dashing secrets and turns of the heroes entangled in their own lies that everything looks much more original and not typical, as we are used to watching.
On the other hand, in addition to the excellent plot and good casting, I would like to note here only the general atmosphere, perfectly inflated more and more acutely in the second half of the film. But the level of skill with which Joel can present his paintings, there is almost no smell. Very indistinct camera work spoils the climax moments, barely begins at least something spectacular, as the scene is immediately cut off, transferring the action to other characters. Categorically unjustified rating R only teases its presence, while the visual side of the picture is nothing remarkable.
The video series, however, boasts interesting characters and good acting, but for such a picture this is somehow not enough. The most tortured, but extremely tenacious character of Nicholas Cage regularly gives out certain tricks, changing the plot rhythm and surprising the revealed details. This is gradually adopted by the rest of the characters, as for example, the most unnecessary in the team of invaders boogai gives the most spectacular exposure, hidden at the end, however, at that moment it no longer plays, unfortunately, the slightest role and does not affect the characters.
The women’s team from Nicole Kidman and Liana Liberato are also very effective, instead of the typical shedding of tears and obedient behavior. Very brave and combative, they somehow get out of deadly situations, showing ingenuity and endurance, but do not always bring it to the end. Surprisingly, there is practically no sexual subtext in the film that threatens to rape a particular heroine. To see Kidman no longer attracts even mad men, and young Liberato, that the parents, the invaders consider still a child, not taking her seriously.
Sexuality is not where it belongs. Youth party completely without jumping topless teenagers, flashbacks with betrayal could very juicy and colorful play the bed scene, the dressing scene is cut short, barely stumbling on half-naked Jordan Spiro from the back, and all that. And even Schumacher’s orientation here plays absolutely no role, because he had naked girls in “Bloody Creek”, and in “Land of Tigers”, and even very briefly in “Twelve” from where the cute Emily Meade wandered into this picture for a modest cameo. Schumacher does not disclose the topic of violence - there is alarmingly little blood, the murders are too sluggish, and as a result, only a suddenly broken hand will be remembered, and this can hardly be called an impressive scene.
It is very sad that such an exciting film with its visual modesty does not reveal its full potential. And therefore, although it looks very impressive for the first time, there is absolutely no desire to reconsider. And this despite the regularly turning the consciousness of the plot twists, the bright cast and their performance and even the culmination of tense scenes. Still, Joel lacked courage and excitement this time.
This thriller does not need to wait for a masterpiece, but it is definitely worth watching. He may not be able to meet all the expectations placed on him, but he is well thought out and really looks with interest. This is a successful genre sample, which I want to recommend for viewing, but, unfortunately, does not pull to look again. This turned out to be a film for one evening from the creator of “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Time to Kill”, “Batman Forever” and many other films that will definitely remain in memory. But whether to remember “what hides a lie” is a very controversial question. It's a little too bad for Schumacher.
7 out of 10
Original