Hostage Negotiator

I saw this movie yesterday on television cable and i think it is a very fun movie, i do not care if it is a bad movie ( but hey!, it is "made for television", so it is not that bad).

one of the starring actors is Brian bloom, a guy i remember from several movies, and it is good to know he continues making movies.

Gail O'Grady is believable as a hostage negotiator, but her domestic scenes with Michael Bowen playing her husband, a man whose personality is steadily deteriorating, are an indicator of why this film does not deliver. Bowen's performance borders on the comic. Can we blame the script? Well, despite being a little obvious and with an ending that indicates a follow up was being considered, it's not bad. The supporting players, with the exception of a disappointing Don S Davis seem to make the right moves, and the action sequences are copybook, so the director is OK, which leaves Bowen, and his talent does not extend to portraying the pivotal character with any credibility.

What starts out as a career problem, turns into a nightmare, as the plot centers on and Ex FBI Agent and his wounded pride at his wife's success with the same organization as a hostage crisis negotiator. His jealousy is only tempered by his love and care for his children. Eventually things end up in the predictable scenario of her having to negotiate for her own children from her husband. While the plot unfolds predictably, the acting is believable and the end scenario holds a surprise. Good production values save this movie from obscurity. The writer gave no thought to the children as anything more than the prize objects. Not worth watching more than once. Just too predictable and lacking any interesting subplots.

Sometimes t.v. movies are comparable to theatrical releases and that's a good thing.This film is very enjoyable,I found myself totally involved.The acting standard is set high by O'Grady and Bowen,watching these two work together is a pleasure.The pace is crisp and the camera work is very good.Mr. Waxman(director)seems to have a keen eye for composition and pace.Although some of the main performers were weak,the film stayed with me thanks to Michael Bowen and Gail O'Grady.Bowen is a strong,talented actor who seems so natural in any role.O'Grady is always good and here she shines.Enjoyable T.V.