Ransom
review by David G.
Rated R
Studio: Disney
Running Time: 121 minutes
Starring: Mel Gibson, Gary Sinise
Written by Richard Price and Alexander Ignon
Directed by Ron Howard
Retail Price: $29.99
Features: Trailer, Reccomendations
Specs: 1.85:1 Non-Anamorphic Widescreen, 5.1 Dolby
Digital English, 5.1 Dolby Digital French, English
Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles, Chapter Search
Tom Mullen (apowerful Mel Gibson) is a rich executive.
He's living with his wife Kate (Rene Russo) and his son in a
great apartment far from violence. One day, his son is
kidnapped by a gang head by the cop Jimmy Shaker (a great
Gary Sinise) and he asks for two million dollars for his
release. But Tom decides to treat this situation with the
way he treats his business, instead of paying the ransom, he
offers it to the one who will find the kidnappers. The movie
then follows a psychological fight between them. Tom is
ready to do anything in order to get back his son.
This movie is a real surprise from Ron Howard, the
director of Apollo 13 and Willow, which are some good but
gentle movies. With this one, he mixed strong directing with
strong characters. Gary Sinise plays the most interesting
villain since the Hans Gruber of Die Hard and Mel Gibson
managed to play a ruthless businessman who is doubtful as a
father. The movie is rough and manages to install a barely
withstandable tension with the telephone confrontations
between the two men. It is rare for an Hollywood-made movie
to be so powerful. This is a must-see for all real thrillers
lovers.
Ransom is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen format. The
picture is clear and crisp and the colors seem faded, making
this movie looking like a black and white film.
English 5.1 Dolby Digital and French 5.1 Dolby Digital
with English and Spanish subtitles are on the disc. As the
director wanted this movie realistic, the surround effects
are rare and represent the city atmosphere. The voices are
clear and every word bang like gunshots.
The menus are static and ugly. As extras, there is
nothing but the classic theatrical trailer and some
recommendations in which you will learn that if you enjoyed
"Ransom" so you will enjoy "The Nightmare Before Christmas"!
A tension-packed jewel that will leave you breathless. A
must see.
 (5/5, NOT included in
final score)
 (4/5)
(4/5)
 (.5/5)
(4/5,
NOT an average)
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