OK so first the good points, as I say Walken's performance is brilliant, he dominates every scene he is in and perfectly shows that big action isn't required to give spellbinding acts. He's tied to a chair through most of this film and still manages to show his character's power and darkness to the full.

The actual storyline is also good and makes for a nice change to the normal order of things with in this case the weak characters kidnapping the powerful Mafia boss instead. The ending of the film also contains some nice twists and turns, and although you can see most of them coming a mile off, they still make for an interesting ending.

Some of the supporting cast are also well played, special mention to Walken's hitman played by Dennis Leary and also to Jonny Galecki as the geeky Ira.

Alas though there are some downsides to the film, the 4 preppy kidnappers are woefully played and one can only think they were cast for their looks rather than their acting ability. There is a scene towards the end of the film where they start to loose control of the situation which is so overplayed and hammed up its gets quite embarrassing. The romantic interludes, which I can only imagine were filmed to pad the film out are more soap opera in style than thriller which also diminishes the picture as a whole. I see that the film was also billed as a black comedy and although there are a couple of witty lines in the film it just isn't funny enough to be any sort of comedy.

All in all though an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours and there are certainly far worse films out there. Normally this would get 3 stars but Walken get the extra one for a superb routine.

Highly under rated
Review date: 2004-11-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

This film is fantastic. Christopher Walken couldn't have chosen a better role for himself and plays it beautifully from begining to end. Each cast member plays his part well and the script keeps you guessing right until the end.

There are quite a few twists, but not enough to make it tedious.

I can't believe this film went straight to video given some of the garbage that makes it to the big screen. I also can't believe this is only available on region 1.

This film is a bargin and should be seen by anyone who is a fan of the genre.

Spellbinding!
Review date: 2000-08-10 Rating: 10 out of 10

This film is really unpredictable. I enjoyed it immensley. Christopher Walken looks very sexy as the mafia villian. Worth seeing

Great Black Comedy
Review date: 2000-07-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

When a "rich" preppy girl gets kidnapped, her brother, boyfriend and a group of their mates, decide to obtain her release by themselves kidnapping a well known mafia villian (effectively played by Christopher Walken) with the idea that he will be able to trace the kidnappers. However, things start to go horribly wrong when Christopher Walken's character implants the idea in the mind of each of his kidnappers that perhaps it was an "inside" job and they in turn begin to suspect each other. A great story with a real twist at the end. If you like black comedies you will enjoy this movie with some great peformances notably by Dennis Leary, who succeeds once again to give a convincing portrayal of a thug; Jay Mohr as Brett; and Johnny Galecki(known to many as Darlene's boyfriend from Roseanne)was particularly endearing as Ira the hapless guy whom, against his wishes and indeed knowledge, was drawn into the kidnapping. One of those movies that you watch and wonder why did it never make to the cinema? Enjoy.

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