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I already saw this movie but since it was a while back, I was quite eager to check it out again. Well, many people seems to think that it is one hell of a movie and, after rewatching the damned thing, I have to admit that it was actually pretty damned entertaining. Basically, you had here two of the best actors at the time, Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey, with some interesting characters and they both gave some really solid performances. The main issue was that even though the concept had some potential, the makers had to somehow turn a hostage negotiator into a hostage taker and the end-result was rather preposterous, I'm afraid. It's too bad because both actors were pretty strong and made half of the story quite believable. Unfortunately, everything else was just the typical gimmicks you usually get in such basic conspiracy thrillers. On top of that, the damned thing was just too long. I mean, it was nice that they didn't bring Kevin Spacey right away but such stories never need a running time of 150 mins. Anyway, to conclude, even though I don’t think it is that great, it is still an entertaining thriller and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre.

Can any movie with Kevin Spacey and Samuel L. Jackson be thoroughly bad? Well, the movie wasn't actually even that bad, and the story led the movie nicely forward (okay, it was kinda lousy plot).

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 were believable that at one point I even thought that Kevin Spacey's character, Chris Sabian, was in on it!

"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 considered one of the best action-thrillers since Die Hard, and is a Dog Day Afternoon of the '90s.

Inspired by a real-life case involving the St. Louis police, The Negotiator is endowed with the premise of a falsely accused man who's forced to violate the law in order to prove his innocence.
Expert hostage negotiator Danny Roman (Jackson) is a respected member of the Chicago Police Department. When he learns too much information regarding police corruption in his own precinct, Roman's partner is murdered. Subsequently, Roman is unjustly framed for the murder and framed for embezzling retirement funds. Recently married but possibly facing a lifetime in prison, Roman is desperate to prove his innocence. In a last frantic attempt to exonerate himself, Roman takes four hostages. His goal: to intimidate the guilty cops into telling the truth and clearing his name. Aware that there are heavily corrupt cops in his precinct, Roman demands to talk to hostage negotiator Chris Sabian (Spacey) who has no affiliation with his precinct and who's recognised for his anti-violence creed. What ensues is an enthralling situation as two accomplished negotiators lock in an intense battle of wits. In the midst of this, Roman endeavours to expose the real crooks and convince Sabian of his innocence.

"You want my blood? Take my blood!"

The Negotiator is a superlative, competently-written thriller, and it's elevated enormously by the two lead actors. Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey aren't just good performers; each exudes an authoritative screen presence that cannot be taught. Placing Spacey and Jackson together is a shrewd casting decision, and witnessing these two high-calibre actors share the frame is a real treat.
Embodying the incorrectly accused Everyman whose life is unfairly threatened, Jackson conveys not only the requisite rage and passion, but additionally a profound sense of humanity. He's an exceptional actor - someone who almost never delivers a defective performance. Put Jackson in a great movie, and he makes it better. Put him in a bad movie, and he rescues it. The Negotiator is a textbook case of the former.
Beside Jackson, Kevin Spacey is exceptional as the veteran hostage negotiator. In the delivery of cynical dialogue, Spacey has no rival - instead he uses his distinctive voice and rhythm to punctuate his speeches.

The supporting cast is most impressive. J.T. Walsh (in his final film) in particular places forth an excellently subdued performance as the ambiguous Niebaum. Walsh died soon after production wrapped, and the film is dedicated to the actor.
David Morse appears as the tough SWAT commander who believes Jackson's Danny Roman takes too many chances. In addition there's Regina Taylor as Roman's new bride, Ron Rifkin as Frost (Roman's friend + colleague), John Spencer as the rational Chief Davis, and finally the duel team of Paul Giamatti and Siobahn Fallon as two civilians caught up in the hostage situation - all hitting their marks impeccably. Giamatti is especially outstanding; providing small dosages of humour, but never overdoing it.

"You hurt one of them, you burn up any currency you have with me. They're all I care about. Getting you out of here alive... a distant second."

The Negotiator benefits from a perfectly-paced, fleshed-out screenplay penned by James DeMonaco and Kevin Fox (two relative newcomers). Their excellent script is beset with detail in the construction of conflict, the revelation of the villains, and the resolution of the story. Since the conclusion is fairly predictable, the real tension and hostility resides in its disclosure of the truth behind the multifaceted conspiracy of avarice and corruption. Furthermore, the minor characters are well-selected, well-conceived and (moderately) three-dimensional. In a genuine masterstroke, the film doesn't telegraph the chief villain too early. The method of the screenwriters and director F. Gary Gray makes everyone appear guilty. Excluding Roman and Sabian, no-one is above suspicion. Each supporting character is given at least one scene that suggests their possible guilt. Consequently, the big reveal of the chief villain isn't much of a surprise, but we can't say we knew all along either. Furthermore, DeMonaco and Fox's screenplay is littered with extensive research on negotiation procedures as the rulebook is constantly referenced. This is a quality rarely included in popcorn action-thrillers, elevating The Negotiator to new heights once again.

Also beneficial is the confidence displayed by the relatively inexperienced director F. Gary Gray. Working with a terrific cast and a bigger budget than in his prior movies (including Friday and Set It Off), Gray demonstrates his ability to handle a large-scale production with an abundance of action set-pieces. The helmer has fashioned a top-notch motion picture that interlaces exhilarating bursts of chaotic action with dark comedy and effective character building - all this achieved in an increasingly-claustrophobic atmosphere. He's particularly adept at managing intense interactions between the central characters. Although Gray was working from a solid script, the story is not a masterpiece of innovation or creativity. It's Gray's directorial style more than anything else that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. He also compels us to be concerned about the characters, to share Roman's frustration and anger, and to get engaged in the delicate process of negotiations. Ace cinematographer Russell Carpenter won an Oscar for his work on Titanic, and his commendable efforts here give the film a great sheen. Locations in Chicago are wonderfully showcased in brilliant overhead shots. Carpenter also gives the film a dark, cohesive look.

"When your friends betray you, sometimes the only people you can trust are strangers."

Unlike typical summer action movies, The Negotiator isn't dependent on expensive special effects to provide its thrills, nor is it saturated with over-the-top action sequences. While action-oriented summer flicks are admittedly stacks of fun, The Negotiator offers a refreshing and satisfying option of steadily building the tension to boiling point. It's a riveting experience - one that's guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to the screen. The battle of wits that unfolds never loses its edge, although the film is a tad on the long side at roughly 130 minutes. There are other flaws present in the film - too many irritatingly melodramatic scenes are detrimental, as are a few preposterous, Hollywoodised inclusions (simply walking into the sunset after an intense hostage-taking situation would never happen). Still, the level of intelligence is higher than that of a typical summer blockbuster. Furthermore, the film is often formulaic and unoriginal - there's the mandatory wife who demands her husband to stop taking dangerous assignments, and the TV crews that supply the usual obnoxious questions. To director Gray's credit, though, it's almost impossible to notice these clichés until your adrenaline stops pumping and the film has become a mere afterthought. The Negotiator takes a hackneyed story and jacks it up various levels with Gray's craft and style.

Not often are Die Hard emulations of this high standard - The Negotiator is an intense, entertaining, incredibly gripping action-thriller. Director F. Gary Gray has skilfully crafted a deft combination of intense dialogue, plot twists and pulse-pounding action set-pieces. The film doesn't plod despite its lengthy runtime, and the masterful filmmaking guarantees quality viewing regardless of how many times you've previously seen it. The Negotiator opens with a bang, and it's exactly this advantageous energy that pervades the entire picture. Jackson and Spacey are a sublime duo, exchanging witty dialogue delivered with conviction and urgency. This cracking, slam-bang thriller simply cannot be missed!

"I'm still alive, motherfucker!"

8.7/10