'Hostage'
(Bruce Willis, Kevin Pollack, Ben Foster, Jonathan Tucker, et al / R / 91 mins / Miramax)
Overview: A former hostage negotiator (Bruce Willis) retires to a small town to lead its police department. But he finds that his old skills come into play when a band of teenagers attempts to steal a family's car. The plan goes awry and the would-be crooks find themselves trapped in a high-security house, which contains some confidential information that's very valuable to different group of dangerous criminals.
Verdict: Oh dear! 'Hostage' rehashes several films, rips off loads of visuals, dialogue, and plot points, ... but it also entertains on some mind-numbing level! However, by piling coincidence upon coincidence, the picture, though quite slickly made, slightly collapses under the weight of its accumulated cliches and improbabilities. As for the action-man himself, well, Willis earns his paycheck by sleepwalking through his role! In fact, the 7-year-old is far and away the smartest character, which is one sign 'Hostage' is an implosion waiting to happen! Wait to rent it!
'Hostage'