|
| . |
|
Mindhunters 2005 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Renny Harlin
R, 106 min. (violence/strong graphic images, language, sexuality) |
 |
Starring: LL Cool J, Jonny Lee Miller, Kathryn Morris, Val Kilmer, Christian Slater, Patricia Velasquez, Eion Bailey, Will Kemp
Producers: Cary Brokaw, Akiva Goldsman, Robert F. Newmyer, Jeffrey Silver, Rebecca Spikings, Scott Strauss
Screenplay: Wayne Kramer, Kevin Brodbin
Cinematography: Robert Gantz
Distributor: Dimension Films
Released: 5.13.04 (Wide) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
Mindhunters follows a familiar plot thriller formula; strand a bunch of people together in an enclosed space, start killing them off one by one, and then have them start
accusing one another of being the killer. In this version the unlucky souls are FBI profile trainees on their final exercise. Their instructor, Jake Harris (Val Kilmer), has schemed
a final test on a remote island where they will profile a serial killer on the loose. Team leader J.D. Reston (Christian Slater) seems confident of success. His fellow trainees,
including Lucas Harper (Jonny Lee Miller), Sara Moore (Kathryn Morris), Nicole Willis (Patricia Velasquez), Vince Sherman (Clifton Collins Jr.), an "observer," Gabe Jensen (LL Cool J),
and a few others, search the island town for clues. Of course, things go awry in a hurry, and it becomes obvious that someone in the group is eliminating the competition
the old fashioned way. Although the first half of the film remains relatively interesting, it's the final act that becomes overlong and tedious, providing a series of false "reveals"
and then a protracted revelation that rings hollow.
Not to mention the preposterous nature of the storyline - that a killer could arrange a number of elaborate tricks and perfectly arranged death scenes - the film becomes
a "CSI"-like rip-off in the throes of high tension and terror. Directed by action master Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2), Mindhunters does manage to keep the proceedings
at an appropriate intensity level, especially in the early moments on the island. There is a fascination with whodunnit scenarios, and the Agathie Christie inspired mystery
within the group of trainees does elicit a time-honored formula for success. However, the film abandons its center for a chaotic game of misdirection among the final four
characters who survive. It's no real surprise who the final culprit is, only because every other character has been suggested as the killer beforehand. The device just becomes
silly and ruins any chance to emerge as worthwhile.
There is some merit here however, especially in the group dynamic and ensuing game of cat-and-mouse between the killer and the ever-exasperated group of survivors. A wristwatch
is utilized to announce the next murder, and unless the group unravels the clues left behind from each killing, one of them will be the next to bite the dust. Harlin uses this
symbol to build tension, and at times it is effective. Some of the sequences are telegraphed, but others are difficult to read, as the characters' individual traits are used against
them by the killer. There are some gruesome, creative deaths here, so for some that's reason enough to see the film. But there needs to be more, specifically in the
motivations behind the killings, to ingratiate the viewer.
The only impression made in the film is by LL Cool J, whose presence is enough to be the only seemingly rational person on screen. There are some impressive scenes in which
he's given the chance for real action, yet the characters around him subdue any goodwill he might have built. Kilmer and Slater have more or less mailed it in here, and
Kathryn Morris (TV's "Cold Case") is too indifferent to realize her character. Mindhunters has an opportunity to succeed on the simplest level as a mystery thriller, but can't
stay grounded in reality long enough to see it to fruition. And that's disappointing considering the potential here.
© 2005 Jonathan Cornwell
|
|
 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
© 2000 - present ReelCriticReviews
All movie pictures are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders
Their use on this site is for informational purposes only and does not imply ownership
|
