Growing up in the fifties I remember some pretty good pictures that were known as B pictures. B pictures were, say, a little less than an A picture in money spent and maybe had a less famous actor or actress in them. This is not to say they were not good. Many of them were excellent pictures with great stories and acting and we enjoyed them. Firewall is a good example of a superb B picture. Though it has a GREAT actor in Harrison Ford and fine backup from Alan Arkin and Robert Forster, it is obvious that it was made on less money than King Kong or other big budget epics. Also, the story was nothing unique and has been told many times, though this time with a twist. Having said that, IT WAS GOOD! Jack Stanfield has got it going on. He has a great family (wife and two kids), GREAT house and a fabulous job as a security guru for a bank. I mean, this guy knows how to keep eyes and hands out of the "till". He has created some spectacular anti-theft programs that have made him "the man". Who better to enlist to rob the bank than "the man"? Well, that's exactly what happens. And what better way to get him to cooperate than to kidnap his family and viciously, brutally put guns to their heads? Jack is a suit and has never in life had to deal with this type of situation. Trust me when I tell you that HE DEALS WITH IT! Harrison Ford is 63 years old (and STILL the man!). And though he never did run like a sprinter he is a tad slower, NOT MUCH, but just a tad. He also has the uneasy task of being a life long action hero who must play a guy who is the exact opposite. He does it in very fine form and convinces the audience that he is out of his element. No Indiana Jones or Jack Ryan here. Just a husband and father that will do whatever it takes to save his family. Director Richard Loncraine did a fine job of tilting us forward on our seats and having us cheer, OUT LOUD as the come-up-ance was dished out. No A picture here, but a fine example of how good a well made B picture can be. I was totally entertained and as I have said many times, that's enough. "I'm going to find my dog!" RECOMMENDATION: If you're looking for a possible Oscar nominated picture, stay home. IF you want good-old Hollywood suspense, entertainment and Harrison Ford, spend the money. It's worth it. TWO MacGYVER-ESQUE THUMBS UP (high tech style)!!! Movie Review © 2006 by Terry Anderson |
