Prisoners

If proof were needed of the versatility of both Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal then this film has to be it. Jackman delivers what can only be described as a visceral performance here as “Keller” (HJ) and his family prepare to celebrate Christmas. Right from the start, we sense their’s a bleak and chilly town, but the family atmosphere as daughter “Anna” (Erin Gerasimovich) and her best friend “J...

Prisoners is a largely generic revenge / suspense / mystery "they have my kid" tale with a predictable plot that gives itself away too early. No attempt at realism, this is Scooby-Doo style investigation - lie detectors are treated seriously, "bad guys" are largely 1-dimensional with poorly explained motives designed to surprise rather than give insight, etc. It tries to make up for this in a f...

Prisoners is a carefully constructed labyrinth, deceptively simple and very clever. The material was nothing new even when the film was released, but director Denis Villeneuve (pre-Dune) and screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski work a few unexpected twists and turns into their maze to keep us on our toes. The key element, however, is Hugh Jackman’s career-best performance as Keller Dover, a father whose ...

**This heavy film is not for everyone but for those that enjoy suspenseful crime cinema, this is one of the absolute best.** A crime thriller that brilliantly manages its slow pace to create the same dread the characters feel in the hearts of the audience. Every passing second steals the parents' hope away that they could ever find their children alive. Everything about this movie emphasizes th...

Be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst. Prisoners is directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Aaron Guzikowski. It stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Terence Howard, Maria Bello, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano. Music is by Jóhann Jóhannsson and cinematography by Roger Deakins. When Keller Dover's (Jackman) daughter and he...

MUST SEE MOVIES BEFORE YOU DIE, another masterpiece by Hugh Jackman, surprising plot-twist!!

What a powerful film and what a great acting. I just couldn't help rewinding various scenes throughout, especially when Jackman's character showed anger and frustration for either his child being abducted or having what he thought was the culprit being tortured, although getting nowhere. Definitely a must for Mystery/Drama. 8/10

Certainly Villenueve's most accessible film, but still a very good one. Final rating:★★★½ - I strongly recommend you make the time.