Ransom
Ron Howard is one of the few directors who can toy with the audience's emotions and get away with it. He did it in Apollo 13, but more effectively, he does it again in Ransom. If there is anything wrong with this film, it's that it might be too graphic and disturbing. Ransom is technically well-made, but the plot is unoriginal and cliched. But apart from that, Ransom is a brilliant film, with powerful actors and a story which should make every parent gasp in fear.
The film begins slowly, but it only lasts for the first few minutes. We are introduced to the Mullen's, a wealthy family who have been investigated by the FBI many times because the father, Tom (Mel Gibson), may or may not have paid someone off to save his company. After a short character-developing scene, the movie shoots into full gear. Kate Mullen (Rene Russo) is the head of an invention contest, held at the park. Her son, Sean (Brawley Nolte), wants to enter but he can't because his mom is one of the judges. While Kate is judging the contest, Sean is left alone to play with his invention. Seconds later, Kate and Tom watch as Sean's invention crashes into a building and falls to the ground. This scene plays out extremely well and shows just how good of a director Ron Howard really is.
While none of the plot is really original or surprising, some of the scenes are extremely tense and emotionally charged. The film's best moment is one of the most shocking I have seen in a long time. If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it for you. If you have, you know what I'm talking about. In fact, this scene shows just how good the three lead actors are. It also shows what a good editing job can do to enhance the power of a film. But with all the technical decisions made, I feel that some of the story has suffered because of it. The decision to show us who the kidnappers were early on in the film was a big mistake on the part of Howard. If he had kept it a secret, he could have done some amazing things to make the story even more interesting and suspenseful.
One of the problems with this film, as with many films, is its trailer. While it makes you want to see the movie, it shows major plot twists from the film, such as the infamous scene involving Mel Gibson changing the ransom money into a reward. This not only made the audience expect it, but it distracted from the pace of the film.
With all these bad decisions, Ransom still has an aura about it that makes you like it, no matter what. One of the best things about Ransom is it's powerful cast. While I'm not a very big fan of Mel Gibson, I will say that he gave a terrific performance which would almost destroy a lesser actor. Rene Russo wass the scene stealer, for me. Perhaps it wass her appearance on screen, or perhaps it was just because I feel that her performance was underrated. Whatever the reason, I feel that Russo gave an emotionally exhausting performance. Gary Sinise had the weight of the film pressed upon his shoulders. It would never have worked if he didn't give a good performance. Luckily, he did. Brawley Nolte, son of Nick Nolte, also gives a good performance, although he really isn't in the film all that often. One supporting member of the cast whom I feel deserves recognition is Donnie Wahlberg. His portrayal of one of the kidnappers is very well done and his character is very well written.
Ransom is rated R for graphic, bloody violence and plenty of language, as well as some brief, partial nudity. This film is definitely not for kids, and it may be too intense for some parents. If this film doesn't affect you in some way, then there is probably something wrong with you. I know I'll never forget some of the scenes in this film.