Weekly Review -- Hostages all over the place

Inside Man (2006) -- Original thrillers, just like lively romantic comedies, are rare nowadays. By "original", I mean unpredictable, detailed and/or putting new twists on already seen cinematic situations. Spike Lee's new film does all that and more. A group of bank robbers led by Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) put in motion a heist, taking hostages along the way. Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) is called upon to negotiate and soon finds himself trying to outsmart the robbers, who seem to be one step ahead of police at all times. Enter Madeline White (Jodie Foster), a Miss Fix-it of sorts, who was hired by the bank's president Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer) to retrieve a document that could be damaging to Case's reputation and business. With Russell's uncompromising plan on one side and White's hush-hush agenda on the other, Frazier has only his instincts and experience to trust in order to find out where Russell's game leads. Contrary to much of Lee's other work, there are not many political statements to be found here. It is a crime story with twists and turns, with occasional racial and corruption issues coming into play, but that is as far as these issues go; they are not part of the larger picture. The visual feel of the film fits the screenplay to a T. The heist and police negotiations appear to be unfolding in real time, while the cinematography by Matthew Libatique -- who also provided the dark and somber atmosphere for Phone Booth and Gothika, among other films -- effortlessly conjures up the hypnotizing urban chaos of New York City. The dialogue is clever, often sarcastically funny and peppered with just enough social satire. Washington gives a great performance as the seen-it-all Frazier, who ends up smack in the middle of what could be the case of his career. Owen's Russell is enigmatic, ruthless and brilliant, while Foster is dripping icy sleaze as Madeline White. For not underestimating the audience's intelligence, I name Inside Man as one of the best thrillers of recent years.

9/10


Poseidon (2006) -- For those who are looking for that perfect popcorn movie: look no further! The remake of 1972's The Poseidon Adventure is big on incredible effects, occasionally grand on cheese and, as is the case with many summer action films, small on logic. The film is very exciting escapist entertainment, however, and is that not its very purpose? On the luxury liner Poseidon, New Year's festivities are starting. The celebration is cut short when a rogue wave hits the ship, causing it to capsize. A group of passengers, including Robert Ramsey (Kurt Russell), Dylan Johns (Josh Lucas), Robert's daughter Jennifer (Emmy Rossum) and her boyfriend Christian (Mike Vogel), attempt to escape the ship, but they face numerous obstacles, with the ocean itself being the least of them.

**SPOILERS**

The screenplay could be better and some shots and situations are taken straight from Titanic and Armageddon, but the film boasts some of the best effects seen recently. The first scene with the wave was exceptionally well created and filmed, as is the one with the shooting fuel and the underwater scenes. Director Wolfgang Petersen has proven himself as master of the action genre with films like In the Line of Fire and Air Force One, and suspenseful situations interwoven with action sequences are his specialty. The acting is decent throughout. Lucas makes for a good hero, while Russell is excellent as the worried father. Rossum's acting is over the top in most parts of the film, but Mia Maestro is sympathetic as Elena, a desperate woman stuck in a life-threatening situation. I especially liked her character's bond with architect Richard Nelson (Richard Dreyfuss) and wish we could have seen more of them. The ending felt a little too convenient -- oh, look, a lifeboat just when we need it -- and some of the principals' deaths were obvious tearjerkers, but it all comes with the summer blockbuster territory. It is an enjoyable ride, so sit back, enjoy and do not forget the popcorn.

7/10