9/24/2015 - Prisoners (2013) - 7/10

This was my first Villeneuve film, and upon seeing it, I now want to see more. Emotional and identifiable, this thriller keeps the drama pumping.

Jackman, Gyllenhall and the rest of the cast are terrific, delivering powerhouse performances throughout. It was also brilliantly shot, with starkly lit interiors and enviable compositions. The cinematography was supreme and divine.

Unfortunately, Prisoners could not sustain greatness long enough to be a masterwork. It may be Fincher-lite, which is just fine, but the gotcha twists and the contrived plot problems derailed (or at least, changed tracks) with what was a terrifyingly pulse pounding race against the clock. You are so invested because of the craft on display, that story issues feel like a definite let down.

Still, I really liked this movie. So well done and, though with Icarus-like wax wings tries to fly too high, the quality and enjoyment are there. See it.