I apologize to those who admired this film, but the detractors have much the stronger case. I agree that Meg Ryan was mediocre, in part because she was given too little to do besides smoke. I agree that the love story that was supposed to be at the center of the film never gelled. I agree that the Ecuadorian scenery and cinematography were terrific. Indeed, I enjoyed the closing credits and Van Morrison most of all the cassette.
I found myself ticking off elements of the story that I'd seen done better: "The Negotiator" was more taut; "Someone to Watch Over Me" was a modest film with a better love story; "The Bodyguard" was about as predictable and stale; "Commando" and "Predator" had comparable action; I think I even liked "Ransom" better.
The situation was intriguing. I wanted to learn more about kidnapping and ransom negotiation. The characters themselves -- with the singular exception of Peter (David Morse) -- were of no interest to me.
Sorry.
I found myself ticking off elements of the story that I'd seen done better: "The Negotiator" was more taut; "Someone to Watch Over Me" was a modest film with a better love story; "The Bodyguard" was about as predictable and stale; "Commando" and "Predator" had comparable action; I think I even liked "Ransom" better.
The situation was intriguing. I wanted to learn more about kidnapping and ransom negotiation. The characters themselves -- with the singular exception of Peter (David Morse) -- were of no interest to me.
Sorry.