We'd seen the shorts for 'Taking Lives' back in March and decided that because Kiefer Sutherland was in it, an actor we both like, then it should be a good flick. Well, it was a good flick. Not a brilliant flick or one that would leave you wondering the why/what/when or where of the plot after you leave the cinema, but a good story nonetheless. Kiefer Sutherland didn't play a very big part at all, in fact, I'd probably have to say his part was marginally better than a cameo. Ethan Hawke, as the mercurial character, James Costa and Angelina Jolie, playing FBI special agent Illeana Scott, play the main character parts, and except for the end-play at the movies' end, Ethan Hawke plays his part well. Angelina Jolie, at least from this males perspective, suffers from the 'Lara Croft' syndrome, in that I kept trying to judge just how big, or small, her tits really were. I thought she played her part well, but missed a certain element of what I was expecting from her character, something I can't quite nail down. Maybe it has something to do with a quick comparison between her character and that of special agent Clarisse Starling, played by Jodie Foster in 'Silence of the Lambs', which I found myself performing about half-way through the movie. Unfair I know, but there you have it.
Overall, the story was a good one and well played out by all concerned. It's a pity it was situated in French-speaking Canada, as, even though like most English speakers, I find the French accent smooth and alluring, when you're trying to understand important statements in a mystery murder thriller, being spoken by a Frenchman, it's bloody annoying to have to concentrate so damn hard on what's being said and missing the rest of the action in the scene. All in all, I'd say it was an entertaining Sunday arvo well spent. I give 'Taking Lives' 6 out of 10.
Overall, the story was a good one and well played out by all concerned. It's a pity it was situated in French-speaking Canada, as, even though like most English speakers, I find the French accent smooth and alluring, when you're trying to understand important statements in a mystery murder thriller, being spoken by a Frenchman, it's bloody annoying to have to concentrate so damn hard on what's being said and missing the rest of the action in the scene. All in all, I'd say it was an entertaining Sunday arvo well spent. I give 'Taking Lives' 6 out of 10.