Another Russel Crowe movie based on a Vanity Fair article has made it to theaters (The insider was the other), and this time it's only two hours & twenty five minutes (depending on your trailers). Russell Crowe is really convincing as a hostage rescuer, Meg Ryan is really good as the worry-stricken wife of her husband (David Morse) who has been taken hostage and gives a grood performance as that character.

The movie's setup is obvious: David Morse taken hostage--Meg Ryan hires Russell Crowe to rescue him, but as usual, there are underlying issues, none of which you'll care about after leaving the theater, and the normal action (explosions, flashes, gunfire).

The beginning and ending action sequences are worth the price of admission alone, especially if you see it in digital sound. I saw it in DTS in my place's 2nd biggest THX theater (285 seats) and I couldn't believe how seperated, dynamic, and loud the sound was, especially in the surrounds.

The acting is top notch, but unfortunately (as action movies sometimes do) there is a romantic subplot between Crowe and Ryan that seems to be tacked onto the real story. Crowe really doesn't show that he's in love with Ryan until he kisses her! Where did that come from?! I don't object to romance and action intermingling (James Bond does it really well!), but the scripting of the relationship seems almost like they wanted to take it off of the movie if they didn't like it!

Otherwise, this is a really great movie. I'd see it before you see anything else this holiday season.