The film opens with style and promise. The hyper-close-up shots stir worthy tension. The actors bring intensity to the screen in each careful narrowing of the eyes. And then, to contrast, the wide-open cityscapes dominate. One lonely do-gooder is juxtaposed against the intimidating pale uncaring urban glass and concrete. Artistically, I love these choices. The cinematography and direction continue to be top notch. Likewise, Owen, Watts, and all the players are strong.

Sadly, the script slips. After a solid hour of intrigue, thrill, and engaging chase, choices are made that belie earlier smarts. The one that hit me the hardest: An essential impossibly-illusive key person is ridiculously coincidentally found simply walking down the street. Okay, I was almost willing to accept that 1-in-a-million when the script commands three sharp investigators to let him walk instead of nab him right on the spot. "Why would they do that?" You might very well ask. Well, to set up the cool shoot-out at another interesting location, of course. At least the shoot out is pretty cool.

After that, further scripting inconsistencies prompted me to lose otherwise-well-earned empathy for the lead and the film. In truth, I'm probably being a tad harsh on this picture due to the fact that it displayed so much promise. If you don't think too hard, it's still a well director thriller.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --