THE CALL (2013)

Directed By: Brad Anderson
Written By: Richard D’Ovidio
Story By: Richard D’Ovidio, Nicole D’Ovidio & Jon Bokenkamp
Cinematography By: Tom Yatsko
Editor: Avi Youabian

Cast: Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Eklund, David Otunga, Michael Imperioli ,Roma Maffia, Jose Zuniga, Justina Machado

Jordan Turner (Halle Berry) is an experienced 911 operator but when she makes an error in judgment and a call ends badly, Jordan is rattled and unsure if she can continue. But then teenager Casey Welson (Abigail Breslin) is abducted in the back of a man's car and calls 911. And Jordan is the one called upon to use all of her experience, insights and quick thinking to help Casey escape, and not just to save Casey, but to make sure the man is brought to justice

Basically the film is built in such a way. No one makes an impact and anyone can play the major roles. They aren’t as important as the plot and hitting the right points.

This is one of Halle Berry’s better films as it seems her resume has been spotty since she won the Oscar for MONSTER’S BALL. At least films that either challenged her or were decent actual films. Though truthfully as an actress her resume has always been that way. It was rare that she got a role that let her show off her talent and range. Even when it is a role that showcases her beauty. The projects were disappointing though held some promise, Which was why she took the role most likely.

Halle Berry was initially cast in the lead role with Joel Schumacher directing. Schumacher dropped out and was replaced by Brad Anderson. Berry dropped out due to scheduling conflicts but once the start date was pushed up, she returned in the lead role.

The film amps up and adrenalized the action and scenes of violence stopping right before and then thrusting into the onslaught. Many of the scenes are kind of ridiculous especially when anyone tries to confront the villain. But you go with it only because the film keeps up an accelerated mood that pumps you full of adrenaline. Really what do you expect from a movie made by WWE Wrestling Studios. I m surprised they didn’t get one of the wrestlers to play a role in this film. Though that might break a storyline.

The whole villain as serial killer storyline seems cliché and far-fetched. It feels like overkill, but the film has to build up the danger and show he is capable of anything. While prolonging the search for his latest victim, Who is still alive. The film then attempts to humanize him by introducing his domestic life into the film which helps lead us to his motives, Though it feels rather thin.

I can understand the last act having The Victim Abigail Breslin in a bra, but it feels exploitive, Unnecessary and uncomfortable.

For all of it’s action, The Films ending is very anti-climactic. The violence is more practical and hand to hand. Not really any gunplay. The film tries to throw something different

While the film proved to be a hit. I feel a bit sorry for the director Brad Anderson creatively as he has made mind bending good films before (SESSION 9, THE MACHINIST). Here it is a cliché studio film. That I’m sure paid well and probably because it’s his biggest hit to date of his career i hope allows him to get better budgets and more freedom for future projects.

GRADE: C