Prisoners

Prisoners

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 9/27/13

Reviewed 10/1/13 at Celebration North

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

From seeing the previews for Prisoners, there are no surprises in what it's about and that it is going to be a stressful ride. Hugh Jackman is a phemomenal actor and does a great job as Keller Dover. I love Terrence Howard (Birch), but he wasn't in it enough. It's too long at 153 minutes, but in spite of that it is still a riveting film through and through.

The Dover family and the Birch family live in the same quaint neighborhood. When the older siblings of each family are walking with the two young girls, they feel uneasy as they get too close to a run down motor home parked near their homes. The older two understandably later regret not mentioning this situation to anyone as the two girls disappear later in the day. No one in either family is quite sure when or where this happened. As they report this to the police, quickly the search for the suspicious motor home ensues. They are able to quickly find it parked at a nearby gas station with Alex Jones (Paul Dano) behind the wheel. The investigation is led by determined Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal). Although he seems overworked and sloppy at times, his heart is in the right place unlike his lazy police chief boss. Alex remains the main suspect even after the police have to let him go. This incites Keller to take matters into his own hands. Disturbing actions by Keller can make you feel torn as he behaves beyond despicable, yet you can realize his total desperation. It is hard for me to say I enjoyed Prisoners, because I felt unnerved through the entire movie. But it is well done with a great cast and worth seeing. Bring lots of popcorn and snacks, as it's a long one!

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJJJ

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  Jj