KIDNAP (2017)

Directed By: Luis Prieto 
Written By: Knate Lee 
Cinematography By: Flavio Martinez Labiano 
Editor: Avi Youabian 


Cast: Halle Berry, Lew Temple, Jason George, Sage Correa, Chris McGinn 



In the US, a child goes missing every 40 seconds. You never think it will happen to you. Until it does. Alone and scared, Karla Dyson is unwilling to leave the fate of her son's life in someone else's hands. When she catches a glimpse of the abductors speeding away, she decides to fight back. In a heart pounding race against time, Kate begins a high speed pursuit and will stop at nothing to save her son's life.

Halle Berry, you either need to fire your agent or try harder to look for roles. As if this is the best you are being sent that is truly sad. There are plenty of roles in certain films you could have played and been perfect in. Though you might have had to play more of a supporting role in those films, but at least it would be better then usually starring in schlock like this.

Halle berry had a bit of a resurgence after the film THE CALL was a surprise hit and here she seems to try repeat that success with this predictable thriller.

The problem is that we have seen this type of film before and while the film tries to add thrills and use the what would you do question to the occasion. It still pays off rather bland. As her character co rubies to use bad judgement and make questionable decisions that don't even make sense under even all the duress she is going through.

The film is almost a one man show as we are with her character throughout the film and everyone else is more in passing to really make an impression. Though if you are a fan or enjoy hr looks then this is the film for you.

The film tries way too hard to be a crowd pleaser. It is a worst case scenario situation or worst nightmare for a parent. As it comes off more as an amusement park ride rather than a film. As even though most of the film is action sequences. They aren't filmed with gusto or visually arresting. So they come off basic.

Not to mention how most of the streets and roads have no traffic or signs of life until high speed bases half the time. Though at least it answers the questions about when will these cars run out of gas and what will they do, when they do.

There is an early scene in the film to show us what she has to go through to make a living as a waitress at a diner. With continuous ride and snappy customers. Which is supposed to show us how sympathetic a character she is and also to add any sign of life to this film. Also to show her hardships and sassyness to a degree. So that we are firmly on her side and see how hard she works and how loyal she is That scene is after a long introductory of us watching the baby pictures and videos of her and her child. As we watch him grow up. Which is supposed to more not only show is their relationship but also feel more when he is snatched and not so random and faceless. Though by the end the film ties up any loose ends of any worries that are introduced. Like fighting her husband for custody.

It is supposed to show the toughness of the character and a heroic positive portrayal of a female lead character in this type of film, but it feels so uninspired and cloying that it feels overwrought. If that's not bad enough the song that plays over the end credits is horrible. A kind of hip-hop r & b song that pretty much is the story of the film.

I am really hoping that Ms. Berry finds bigger and better films to be in. As she also produced this film. Which would more match some of her films that have gone straight to streaming. Rather than a full theatrical movie. As this film seem more a movie to fill a void of needing something to go out in Between all the blockbusters that an older audience can either get into or identify with somewhat as a worst case scenario. Using her character as a stand in for some heroic fantasy.

Movies like this seem to be how Halle berry survives the Hollywood waters. As once in awhile she will have a supporting role in a more high profile film or a cameo. The. She seems to return to this formula of basic thrillers that usually go straight to streaming. Though with the surprise success a few years ago of the movie THE CALL. Which was bad but at least entertaining and fun. Which this film is not at all. It was continuing her usual, but allowed her to try and get films like it into theaters and with the release of this film it seems like it might be a little d of unofficial regular thing.

Hey Liam Neeson gets away with it. When it comes to his usual film choices. So why can't she. Where it becomes a kind of ritual. Sort of like how Diane Lane used to have romantic movies coming out at the end of summer or beginning of fall or how recently it used to be that African-American relationship thrillers used to come out at the end of summer beginning of fall. WHEN THE BOUGH BREAK'S,  THE PERFECT GUY

Although she has a certain pedigree. It would be nice to see her in maybe more an ensemble piece of African-American cinema like the recent GIRL'S TRIP or THE BEST MAN or even ALMOST CHRISTMAS

 Grade: D+