Amber Alert

Kerry Bellessa dares to redeem her 2012 film and does so with a more cautious, more meaningful approach and with two more relatable characters that transform this remake into a pleasant thriller that manages to have moments more in line with what was needed before.

The 2012 film brought us love and hate among viewers who enjoyed or had a bad time with the original version, this time its director is accompanied again by her screenwriter Joshua Oram to give the necessary touches and changes to that first script and as a result we have a much more welcoming film whose great strength is finding two considerably more approachable characters in the skin of two correct interpretations such as those of Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams.

The on-screen chemistry of both actors allows us to connect and have sympathy for both characters, even more so when they are given really interesting motivations that make everything feel much more like belonging in the decisions they both make. The same happens with their supporting actors who are more present and interact more in the plot, which also allows the film to be carried out in a more intense way.

Of course, the film has its flaws in several decisions that are made, which make us feel that everything is done more correctly and without trying to shock anyone, a detail that also means that the villain of the film feels a little softer than in the original, and we must consider that the decisions of its final climax are somewhat lacking in energy, which takes away the impact of its outcome, although it has some new twists that make for a nice little mind game.

It is well directed, with a cast that is up to par and a story that works and is effective. It could have dared to be much more consistent, of course, but playing it safe is not a bad thing either, because the film is a good pastime that manages to have significant moments with which you will enjoy this thriller and its suspense in an acceptable way and without major distractions.

A clear message, an effective premise and a proposal that this new version fulfills goes up a notch from the original and that completes the redemption that its director sought, a mission accomplished without further gratification.

Just to further add the statement at the end of the movie, AMBER stands for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. The acronym was created as a legacy to 9- year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and then brutally murdered.

Now I quite disagree with one reviewer who said the idea was great but the execution is awful. I thought the story line and the acting was quite well done. I have seen Hayden in a number of movies, but in this one she did very well playing the leading heroine role.

The story was a bit similar to.the 2017 Halle Berry movie Kidnap, where her son is kdinapped in broad daylight and quick thinking Berry jumps in her car and starts a hot pursuit of the kidnappers. That was also a pretty decent movie.

Anyway to cut a long story short I quite enjoyed this movie.

This was a title I decided to watch when I wanted something that was not too long and engrossing. I decided on this little movie and was not disappointed that I did.

First I will say the leads were both good and believable. I was enthralled with the story being as slight as it was but still made you want them to find the little girl.

And I must say that watching the lead actor was very easy on my eyes. Now I will have to start watching Abbott Elementary. All in all I would say if you have some time to spend and want something that is worth watching and easy on the eyes while also a somewhat nail biter, then I would suggest this title.

Amber Alert (2024) delivers a tense and suspenseful thriller that keeps you on edge for most of its runtime, but ultimately falls short of being a standout in the genre. The movie revolves around a child abduction case, using the titular "Amber Alert" as its central plot device, and blends elements of crime drama with psychological tension.

The film's greatest strength lies in its atmosphere. The pacing is relentless, with enough twists and turns to maintain engagement, especially in the first two acts. The direction does a commendable job of creating a sense of urgency and dread, with handheld camera work and dark, claustrophobic settings that enhance the mood.

Performances are solid across the board, especially from the lead detective, whose emotional conflict adds a human layer to the otherwise procedural narrative. The abductor is portrayed with chilling ambiguity, keeping the audience guessing about motives and identity until the final act.

However, where Amber Alert stumbles is in its third act. The resolution, while satisfying, feels rushed and a little predictable. Some of the emotional beats don't land as effectively as they could, and the supporting characters often feel underdeveloped, leaving you wanting more depth. Additionally, the film occasionally leans too heavily on familiar thriller tropes, making parts of the story feel formulaic.

Overall, Amber Alert is a well-crafted thriller that delivers enough tension and drama to be worth watching. It may not break new ground in the genre, but for its strong performances and atmospheric direction, this film should be on your watchlist, though it may not leave a lasting impression.

While somewhat predictable, this movie provides viewers with the familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Jaq and Shane don't know each other, but share a light chemistry early on, and while it doesn't necessarily lean into romance, their bond proves strong and necessary for what the film becomes. I think I enjoyed them bonding together more than the progression of the film. Shane's character needed more development. And I feel like they just threw Jaq's backstory at us when it was convenient, but I'm fine with how it played out. The plot is fairly predictable, but in a way I didn't mind. Watch if you want a safe (pun intended), solid movie with actors you know and love (if you haven't grown to love Tyler James Williams from Everybody Hates Chris or Abbott Elementary, what are you doing?!!). Or if you don't know them at all, even better!