Spring Break
Rachel's Review
"Taking Lives": Hawke and Jolie tangle in predictable plot
Rachel Jones
Issue date: 3/26/04 Section: A & E
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Like any criminal thriller, "Taking Lives," has a killer on the loose. However, one of the many twists is that this killer takes the identity of his victims. His killing sprees remained undetected until two killings in Vancouver, Canada, occur. Soon, the Canadian police call in Illeana Scott, an expert FBI criminal profiler to investigate the scenes and the killer.
As a cynical inhabitant in this skeptical world, I guessed the movie's ending after the first few scenes. You know, the movie-makers may have more audience reception if they quit showing the best parts of the film during the previews... However, my artistic and theatrical side quickly took over during the movie. The most captivating scenes are from the view point of Illeana, whose eyes see even the tiniest of details.
Ethan Hawke ("Training Day") stretches his talent as the eyewitness and targeted victim, Costa. Hawke's multi-faceted talent as actor, director and writer, has impressed several critics.
His work in "Taking Lives" is no exception. Throughout the film, Hawke takes his character on many emotional journeys that captivates the audience.
Angelina Jolie ("Girl, Interrupted") keeps up with Hawke in her portrayal of Illeana, a hardedge investigator with a softer side. Not to be overlooked, Kiefer Sutherland ("24") and Olivier Martinez ("S.W.A.T.") also hold their own in their supporting roles. Often times, both Sutherland and Martinez steal the scene, making the audience crave more.
After viewing the movie, I realized "Taking Lives" has much dramatic and suspenseful potential; however, either due to writing or directing, the movie does not indulge the viewer with the full force that could have been.
This movie is rated "R" for sexual content and frontal nudity.