Film Review - Ransom

Mel Gibson is, in my opinion, a great actor. If you look at his work as it has progressed from Mad Max to the present, you can watch him grow. Ron Howard is, in my opinion, one of the five best directors in Hollywood today. His films have centered on human spirit and are chock-full of people who really behave like people.

Ransom is one more coming together of a great director and a great cast. Howard and Gibson get very personal in this story of a self-made rich man whose son is kidnapped. Rene Russo is his wife, and shines in her hysterics. Gary Sinise, is the brains of the bad guys and gets quite crazy, and Delroy Lindo the brains of the FBI team, always a calm anchor.

There's not much more story here, because we are dwelling on characters and not action. A poker game develops between the kidnappers and Gibson. The tension is very real. Strife in the ranks of the kidnappers, strife in the house of the parents of the victim, and dirty little secrets are aired.

There isn't much more I can tell you without harming your enjoyment of this film. I wouldn't say this film was a good as Backdraft but it is far better than say 90 percent of what you will find at the box office these days. Ransom is worth your time and money. Pay it!

Slight Suction!

Film Facts

Directed by Ron Howard

Released in 1996

MPAA Rating: R

Reviewed by Mongo