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You're reading a really old version of matt-thornton's website. For example, if you're looking at the movie reviews... you'll notice that none of them are of recent films. Indeed, I leave them here for posterity's sake, but I doubt very much that they'll get updated anytime soon. So have a giggle.

You might, if you're lucky, find something recent from Matt at his blog matt's debates. Kernow bys vyken.

Hostage

the verdict:

The irony surrounding this film is Bruce Willis (lead character) who went on TV to do a bunch of interviews saying that this was a film unlike he'd done before, and he wouldn't get muddy, shoot a bunch of people, and save the day.

Sadly, Brucey was blatantly lying because that's EXACTLY what this film is. It's basically Die Hard (1, 2 and 3) meets Daybreak. Bruce starts off as a legendary hostage negotiator dude who's last job goes all wrong and the people die. He retires to some sleepy police department where nothing ever happens. Except for the day we're watching when some rich man's kids gets taken hostage and guess what, he's called in to sort it out. Somehow his family also managed to get held hostage as well so he has to save the first family in order to save his... (which incidentally consists of his wife and teenage daughter, the daughter of which is moody and wants to leave home and he'd been having issues with his wife, but if he saves the day then it'll probably be alright again).

And yes, of course, Mr Willis saves the flipping day. Again.

But hey, what else do you expect from him? It's well worth a watch, but not at the cinema - rent it on DVD. It's very dark in places, and also a lot scarier/freakier than you might expect. The hostage takers are very moody. The main bad guy at times reminds of scenes from the Crow. Other parts are reminiscent of films like Scream.

So, whilst it's a blatant no thrills Bruce Willis film, if you'd been missing the exploits of John McClane since he stopped dying hard, then watch this.