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Darren (1599 KP) rated Taking Lives (2004) in Movies

Jul 25, 2019  
Taking Lives (2004)
Taking Lives (2004)
2004 | Action, Drama, Mystery
5
7.0 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Story: Taking Lives starts as we see a young man kill another young man to steal his identity, years later a body is discovered in Canada which leads to the local French-Canadian police to call in FBI profiler Illeana (Jolie) to help with the new mystery body. Things take a turn when a man Costa (Hawke) believes he interrupted the next attempted murder before the killer is finished dealing with the body.

When the police learn this killer has been killing and stealing identities the case takes a turn and now they must figure out who the latest victim is and who he has become.

 

Thoughts on Taking Lives

 

Characters – Illeane Scott is an FBI Profiler bought in to help with the case of a killer that is stealing identities of the people he is murdering, she gets the profile correct and wants to had home after starting to become interested in one of the key witnesses. Costa is a key witness who interrupts one of the murders before the killer can complete his plan, he gives the information to track the killer. Hart is a man that soon enters Costa’s life after the incident making him the prime suspect as the killer.

Performances – Angelina Jolie is solid enough in this leading role which disappoints because we know she can be a fantastic cop figure. Ethan Hawke struggles with his role too which is only really filled with disappointment as he never convinces in his witness role. Kiefer Sutherland disappoints because we know how good he can be and want to see him more often in a film.

Story – The story is a FBI agent needing to help track down a serial killer who steals identity, yeah these are usually entertaining to watch but this just doesn’t reach the levels of mystery it needs, this might be because this is a repeat viewing and I know the ending, but there are never really any hints or suspects to work with through the film. the film lacks the true tension needed in a film that is filled with twisted crimes going on.

Crime/Mystery – The crime is interesting for a killer to be acting the way they do, the weakest part is the mystery as we just don’t meet enough potential suspects.

Settings – The film is sent in a big city which plays into the idea that someone could steal and identity and kill someone without people noticing someone going missing.

Special Effects – The effects are good because we get to see practical effects when it comes to the kills and aftermath from them.


Scene of the Movie – The lift opening.

That Moment That Annoyed Me – Not enough suspects.

Final Thoughts – This is a crime thriller that lacks the punch to make it stand out from the crowded market, we always need a large group of suspects, but this didn’t give us enough, while it did create a great killer.

 

Overall: Lacklustre crime thriller
  
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Alicia S (193 KP) rated Watching the Bodies in Books

Sep 28, 2018  
Watching the Bodies
Watching the Bodies
Graham Smith | 2018 | Thriller
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A unique play on your typical murder/mystery book. Jake Boulder is no PI or cop, he's simply a bouncer in a local bar. Always willing to help out and play the muscle for his PI buddy, Alfonse, this time the local Police Department is so desperate, they too are asking for their help. Tracking a killer like this is far from easy and getting the dual POV on this one, as both Jake and our killer, made it even that much more interesting! First book by this author and I'm sure I'll be back for more!
  
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Phoebe Bridgers recommended I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer in Books (curated)

 
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
Michelle McNamara | 2018 | Biography, Crime
9.0 (6 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"The Golden State Killer was active in California in the 70s and 80s, before I was born. Michelle McCnamera made it her life’s purpose to find out as much as she could about him and his victims, and she made incredible breaks in the case just sitting at home on her computer. She died unexpectedly in 2016, two years before The Golden State Killer was caught, and although the authorities didn’t officially give her credit for having a hand in catching him, the spotlight she shone on the case made an enormous difference at the very least. "

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