Poison-less Spider

A Review by

Vigilante

Seeing as how this is based off the first book, this movie is a prequel of sorts to the events that took place in KIG. Morgan Freeman is back to reprise his role of Alex Cross. In this film, Mr. Cross has placed himself into seclusion after the deat of his partner. That is until Cross reluctantly gets involved in a federal case when the kidnapper leaves a piece of evidence in his mailbox.

The Kidnapper is familiar with the works of Cross, and wants to use the acclaimed detective to propel himself into the limelight with the crime of the century. Thus   detective cross (Freeman) and a Secret Service agent that worked at the kidnapped child's school (Potter) create a formidable team following a path of few leads, hidden agendas, and an exhausting ransom drop, while also seeking their own redemption from past failures.

I don't know if this is just me, but during this whole movie I felt like I was watching one of those Sunday night movies on CBS or ABC. Yes, Morgan Freeman was in there, but everything in here looked as if this were a made to tv movie. With that said, this could be one of the greatest made for television films ever. But as a movie to enter the movie theatres, its missing quite a few steps.

This movie borrows from several different films of various genres, and does them all in ways that would not be considered new to most people. There is a scene when Cross is running all over town to deliver a ransome note, while the kidnapper is giving him instructions over the phone. This would be great had "Die Hard with A Vengeance" never been released.

In addition to lack of originality and tv show quality, the villian in this film is pitiful. You don't fear, feel for, or even care for this guy...and quite frankly you need something like that to make a villian work. There's also a twist or two in the film...one of which is obivous, one that isn't obvious, but is done with about 1/4 of the film left go. Therefore any effect it has, is seriously downgraded by the time the final credits rolled.

All is not lost though, Morgan Freeman singlehandedly holds this film together. However un-interesting all the other chracters are, Cross is great scene after scene making the good and bad parts watchable.

As much as I loved "Kiss the Girls" (and Ashley Judd ;-)), this movie is not worth spending $7+ to see in a theatre. Wait till it comes to video, rent it, and see how well the movie looks on your tv.

Rating: out of four.

-Now that you've read something, he's written. Wouldn't you like to find out more about Vigilante? Here you go.

© Gyeah Enterprises 1998-2004.  The site layout and all other images are property of Gyeah Magazine™ and may not be used beyond this website without its expressed permission.