The Negotiator (1998)

Posted : 4 months, 3 weeks ago at Feb 7 21:45

When police negotiator, Danny Roman, is framed for murder and corruption, he decides to take matters into his own hands by taking hostages in an attempt to find the real dirty cops. I haven't seen this film in ages and I was surprised by how good it is. My kudos to the writers, director and actors for taking a familiar plot and making it unique. Kevin Spacey and Samuel L. Jackson turn in fantastic performances, while the supporting cast of J.T. Walsh, Ron Rifkin, Paul Giamatti and David Morse all lend a believability to the situation. Jackson especially walks the fine line between sypathetic innocent and possibly psychotic hostage taker. I was on the edge of my seat, helping Danny Roman try to figure out who the bad apples on the police force were and the red herrings thrown out ...Read more

Rating : 7/10

Posted : 5 months, 3 weeks ago at Jan 14 23:21

"You think killing a man gives you the right to negotiate with me?" The Negotiator is of a rare breed - an action-thriller relying on suspense generated by lots of dialogue, several superb plot twists and a selection of brilliant, dominant performances rather than a surplus of explosive, over-the-top action sequences. This first-rate white-knuckle thriller is virtually a non-stop venture into tension. Once the (somewhat clichéd) set-up has been established, the film kicks into high gear and moves at an invigorating fast pace; ably keeping a viewer engrossed until its fantastic dénouement. The Negotiator adheres to the classic Die Hard formula - i.e. a protagonist trapped in a nasty situation; compelled to employ his wits and heroics. This enthralling production deserves to be consider...Read more