Starring Samuel Jackson and Kevin Spacey this film is an action drama.
The film starts with a just-married cop Samuel Jackson whose partner is brutally murdered. As fate would have it Samuel is implicated and held responsible for the death of his partner. Abused by the way his own men are working against him, Samuel takes on hostages from the police department and demands that all charges against him be cleared. He refuses to talk to anyone but a cop from another force. And that cop is Kevin Spacey. ’At times you can only trust a stranger’ is his way of explanation.
The introduction shot of Kevin Spacey also begins with a negotiation where he is trying to resolve a fight with his wife who is upset with him because he called her fat.
At work, he is definitely a better negotiator and understands the psyche of the man who is undergoing a lot.
The setting of the film is limited to two rooms - one where Samuel Jackson has the hostages and another where Kevin Spacey is trying to make a deal with him.
The high points of the film are that it is slick paced. The story doesn’t bore the audience or give a pause to think.
The performances are needless to say great especially by the two protagonists Samuel Jackson and Kevin Spacey. The climax of the film is mysterious and keeps you glued to the seat.
All in all, a winner.