Hostage

Brutal and brilliant. Hostage is the story of Jeff Talley (Bruce Willis), a cop. After losing three people to a hostage situation Talley sets aside life as a hostage negotiator to become a regular small CA town cop. However, he can never seem to get away from the action. A hostage situation takes place in this small town and Talley takes command, to save the family in the hostage situation. Stakes were raised for Jeff Talley when his family were taken hostage as well. Since the father of the hostage situation is part of a "mob" group, he can't make the run to drop off an important DVD. The men he is supposed to take it too put Talley in charge, holding Jeff's family hostage until the DVD is uncovered.

The movie itself thinks it is a bit more 'epic' than it really is. Grandiose music and slow-motion, expensive shots fill the screen, when the story, the characters, and even the production management (the look of the film) were those of a much more bitter, tense, and dark thriller.

For example, at the end, while the ambulance is driving away, the music carries you up and away, and plunges you deep into emotional chorus for the credits. When It really should have just been a mellow, eerie tune, like something from the movie se7en.

This movie is a high stakes movie. It is an edge of your seat film. The casting was ideal, from Bruce Willis as the cop, to the three boys who were holding the family hostage. The boys cast fit their parts well. There was the spastic, nerves take control of action guy, the younger brother who actually has a conscience and the creepy guy who enjoys killing people. Film is supposed to bring out emotions in the audience, and this film definitely did that. I was creeped out by the boys, and I was terrified for both families; I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Great with the family values and decision making themes; "Nobody dies today", Willis says, when one of the police snipers has a shot at a villain. Excellent.
There was, however, some intense language. Cursing and swearing were the "norm" for this film, and the violence was pretty intense. It is also a movie, some have said, that was "over-produced," music tracks cover the film and make you want to laugh just a little at the placing and song choices, and the locations are almost distractingly expensive.

Overall, the film was entertaining, and fun to watch with a group of people. I recommend the movie if you enjoy the thriller type, edge of your seat film.

3 out of 5 stars.