"PRISONERS"

"Prisoners" has a first rate cast.  The story is compelling: two young girls are kidnapped right in their very safe and pleasant neighborhood, with their parents only a few seconds away.  While the police are

"working" the case, the father of one child can't sit on the sidelines, he must get involved in finding the children. 

 The story stirs the blood of the audience, you have to be a pretty cold hearted person to not want to see those kids rescued and yet, what can you do to help, beyond prayer?

     Hugh Jackman is the vigilante father, Jake Gyllenhaal is the dedicated police detective. Maria Bello and  Viola Davis are the mothers who suffer in silence as hope turns to despair.  

Paul Dano is the suspect who may have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time and Melissa Leo, is the kindly neighbor, doing all she can to help end this suffering. 

  I have saved mentioning the second father, played by the always excellent, Terrence Howard, because his

character is really the key to this story of rage and passion.  He represents most of us - uncertain of what to do and how to do it and not sure if he is doing the right thing or only making a bad situation worst.

This film violated a Gaffney Rule, by running for  over 150 minutes, but I have to forgive

director Denis Villeneuve, since the time was put to good use.  If you like an intense movie going experience, you should not miss "Prisoners."