Kidnapped Review: The 2nd Amendment Will be Appreciated
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Kidnapped is a movie along the same lines as The Strangers (2008). It would be no surprise if Smith and Wesson funded its North American release, as I found myself remembering how important it is to keep a loaded weapon in the house.
Written by John Strand, aka Duke of Terror
January 9, 2012
Release: 2010 (France and Spain), 2011 (USA)
Directed by: Miguel Angel Vivas
Written by: Miguel Angel Vivas and Javier Garcia
Starring:
Fernando Cayo as Jaime
Manuela Velles as Isa
Ana Wagener as Marta
Originality is not this film’s strong point, nor is acting, or story. This film will scare those who are timid, panic under pressure, can’t lift themselves through a window if their life depended on it, or live in a house susceptible to home invasion.
Kidnapped opens with a man lying in a field with his hands bound and a bag wrapped around his head. He appears dead until he startles and gasps. He stumbles to his feet and moves quickly towards a road. On the road he is hit by a car. The driver removes the man’s mask and bindings then gives him a cell phone. The man dials home and discovers they are already there. This scene is never explained, nor do we ever see this man, or his family again – not even a reference to them in a newspaper. It is the most compelling part of the movie and ends in the first three minutes.
The remainder of the film revolves around Jaime’s experience with the kidnapper in the vehicle and the family’s experience with the kidnappers in the house. Unexpected visitors, opportunities for escape and individuals pushed to their breaking points keep the audience somewhat on edge. Yet, poor acting and failure by the family to take advantage of several opportunities sucks the tension from most scenes. A predictable outcome doesn’t help either.
Kidnapped is not a terrible film. The split screen that allows simultaneous viewing of the tense moments surrounding Jaime’s experience and Isa’s experience keeps the audience rapt. Some unexpected developments that further the story towards its predictable conclusion also help maintain interest. If you enjoy films of high-pressure situations with some scenes of intense violence you may find this one mildly entertaining, but I would have a back-up ready for the evening.
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