Ransom (DVD)

As I sat down to watch, I didn’t know quite what expect of this film. It stars Mel Gibson so I thought ‘action movie’ without much depth to it. It’s directed by Ron (Happy Days) Howard so I expect a light touch and maybe an over-sentimental ending. As it turned out it wasn’t either of those and I think part of the problem with it was that it wasn’t sure what kind of movie it was trying to be. THE CAST Tom Mullen played by Mel Gibson Kate Mullen played by Rene Russo Sean Mullen played by Brawley Nolte.... Jimmy Shaker played by Gary Sinise Agent Lonnie Hawkins played by Delroy Lindo Maris Conner ...  Read the complete review

As I believe I mentioned in the title, 'Ransom' is elevated from normal film status to that of a classic because of two factors; 1). The excellently delivered line 'Give me back my son!', which had such passion when spoken by Mr Gibson that it became a catchphrase of my friends and I for months after seeing the film. 2). Gary Sinise. I believe Sinise is highly underrated as an actor. He does seem to play the same character in every film - but WHAT a character! Here's an experiment; take any movie starring Sinise, and watch until he appears. He has a look on his face which suggests that he is constantly bubbling under with rage. Even ...  Read the complete review

Ron Howard’s action-thriller Ransom is an exciting ride with some wild and unexpected twists and turns, a wickedly exhilarating movie experience. Although the movie exhibits some weaknesses in the script and in its elaboration of the story’s characters, its front-loaded story and pace, not to mention Howard’s excellent directorial style, easily make up for it, moving at a fast speed. Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson) is a successful, self-made executive. He is the wealthy and powerful owner of an airline, covering some of his darker business practices with charming and streamlined commercials that reinforce his nice-guy image for the public eye. When his ...  Read the complete review

I love action movies and so thought that I would be bored when it came to watching Ransom. It is however a gripping and tense thriller with more twists and turns than Silverstone. Usually I would give a detailed description of the plot but it is a rule of mine not to disclose so much it will spoil it. With this movie it is particularly hard due to their being numerous plot twists that you can’t see coming. Well I will try not to spoil it. Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson) is a hugely successful businessman. At a science fair Toms son is kidnapped in a split second. Now Tom and his wife (Rene Russo) receive pictures of their son gagged and bound and tied to a bed. ...  Read the complete review

Film review only Mel Gibson is Tom Mullen - entrepreneur and millionaire with a loving wife and a wonderful son. Things could not be better for him - until his son gets kidnapped during a visit to the science fair in the local park. A ransom is demanded from Tom, who in the beginning decides to pay the kidnapper and get on with his life. But soon he realises that the kidnappers won't be satisfied with it and probably wouldn't return his son anyway - so he turns the ransom around to putting a bounty on the kidnapper's heads - he will pay the ransom money to anyone who can bring him back his son - meaning the kidnapper can't trust his associates ...  Read the complete review