| Overall Grade: |
A- |
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| Story: |
A- |
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| Acting: |
A |
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| Direction: |
B+ |
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| Visuals: |
A- |
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Above average thriller!
by PSV (movies profile)
Sep 5, 2006
101
of
117 people found this review helpful
Angelina Jolie is in top form in "Taking Lives", a movie that moves at its own pace, has quite a few healthy "jump" scares, and solid acting all around the table- this is the best murder/mystery film I've seen in quite a while. That cast includes Jolie as a FBI profiler who is assigned on the case of a man who not just kills people, but becomes them- even using their credit cards and paying their taxes- as Jolie points out. This role is perfect for her, she can be both sexy and tough-as-nails. Far better than her roles in "Original Sin" and "Beyond Borders". Ethan Hawke plays a witness to one of the murders, and he plays his role with ease. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of his, I have to admit he got the job done well. Kiefer Sutherland is utterly wasted in this movie, it was criminal. And Oliver Martinez proved to be adaquete comic relief, providing some needed breaks from the tension. I liked the story at work here too, the "taking lives" aspect seemed fresh and new, never contrived or boring. And the ending is very good, providing one of the most shocking moments I've seen in years- and one that had the entire audience reeling. Overall, this was just a solid thriller with a great cast and an intriguing premise. It doesn't set out to win any awards, or major recognition- but deserves to be viewed at least once. And that one time is probably best in a crowded theater. |
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