*
Generic muddle about a cop chasing a serial killer/kidnapper. Makes so little sense, director O’Neill has to go back and show us all the clues leading to its just-because-we-can ending, though all that gets clarified is just how bad and illogical this film is. “Inspired by” true events, which would appear to be a mixture of the Joseph Fritzl and Gary Heidnik cases, with some Manson-like brainwashing thrown in to glue it all together. John Cusack plays every maverick cop ever, breaking things, beating people up, and doggedly pursuing his goal until, of course, he brilliantly solves the case. The best line in the film occurs during the Christmas season, when a young boy whose older sister has been kidnapped asks his mom, “If Abby doesn’t come back, do I get her presents?” What should have been a poignant moment is notable only for its comedy. A dismal effort all around.
Generic muddle about a cop chasing a serial killer/kidnapper. Makes so little sense, director O’Neill has to go back and show us all the clues leading to its just-because-we-can ending, though all that gets clarified is just how bad and illogical this film is. “Inspired by” true events, which would appear to be a mixture of the Joseph Fritzl and Gary Heidnik cases, with some Manson-like brainwashing thrown in to glue it all together. John Cusack plays every maverick cop ever, breaking things, beating people up, and doggedly pursuing his goal until, of course, he brilliantly solves the case. The best line in the film occurs during the Christmas season, when a young boy whose older sister has been kidnapped asks his mom, “If Abby doesn’t come back, do I get her presents?” What should have been a poignant moment is notable only for its comedy. A dismal effort all around.
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