Trapped

Starring: Charlize Theron, Kevin Bacon, Courtney Love, Stuart Townsend, Pruitt Taylor Vince
Directed by: Luis Mandoki
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three kidnappers (Kevin Bacon, Courtney Love, Pruitt Taylor Vince) take the daughter of parents (Stuart Townsend, Charlize Theron), but the family decides instead of following the kidnappers' every command, they will fight back instead.

Review:

Tim: "Trapped" opened in a virtual media blackout, void of the typical Hollywood push on television and radio, perhaps out of sensitivity to the recent victims of child abduction across America. It is for this reason that "Trapped" hits home harder than it otherwise would have. This is a grizzly, pull-no-punches look at both sides of the kidnapping. At times, it is difficult to watch and isn't for the feint of heart.

While I enjoyed this film, I had serious qualms concerning a number of the scenes. I wasn't particularly in the mood to watch the beauty of Charlize Theron spoiled by a sleazy Kevin Bacon, nor was I prepared to witness Bacon's near castration by a scalpel.

I also argue that despite Theron's performance, the real succes of the film doesn't come from her. Sure, Theron wasn't bad with her constant crying and pleading, "No Mister Kidnapper, don't hurt my little girl," but the real success of this film comes from the multi-layered performance of Kevin Bacon. Keep in mind, this is the same actor who starred in "Footloose" and "Apollo 13." Now, I know he attempted to play the "bad guy" in flops such as "Hollow Man," but this is arguably his best antagonistic role.

I really enjoyed this film, however, due to a number of plot holes (such as the REAL reason for the kidnapping), I take a slightly harsher approach to the film. Furthermore, this isn't even the best kidnapping film available. "Ransom" was a much better film and had more star power with Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, Gary Sinise, and Delroy Lindo. Regardless, this film is worth seeing and will keep you entertained.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Ransom, Don't Say a Word, Apollo 13, Footloose, The Legend of Bagger Vance