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From: Reviews and Criticism of Vietnam War Theatrical and Television Dramas<br />
(http://www.lasalle.edu/library/vietnam/FilmIndex/home.htm)<br />
compiled by John K. McAskill, <strong>La</strong> <strong>Salle</strong> <strong>University</strong> (mcaskill@lasalle.edu)<br />
R2570 RANSOM (USA, 1996)<br />
(Other titles: Kopfgeld; <strong>La</strong> rancon)<br />
Credits: director, Ron Howard ; writers, Richard Price, Alexander Ignon.<br />
Cast: Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, Gary Sinese, Delroy Lindo.<br />
Summary: Action/thriller set in contemporary New York City. Tom Mullen<br />
(Gibson) is a Vietnam veteran fighter pilot who has built a successful airline<br />
from scratch but is now under investigation for bribing union official. He<br />
lives with his wife (Russo) on Central Park, where they take their young son<br />
(Nolte) to a science fair. The boy is kidnapped, a ransom note arrives by<br />
anonymous e-mail, and the FBI is called even though, as Mullen observes,<br />
“The FBI just spent three months trying to bury us.” The kidnappers are<br />
masterminded by a crooked police detective (Sinise), and include his<br />
girlfriend (Taylor), who once worked for the Mullens and knows the family’s<br />
routine. Other members include a computer whiz and a couple of lowlife<br />
thugs. The FBI kidnapping expert (Lindo) wants Gibson to pay the ransom.<br />
He tries to, but an FBI helicopter interrupts the ransom drop, and Gibson<br />
becomes convinced (by the look in a gang member’s eyes) that the<br />
kidnappers have no plans to return the child alive. That’s when he devises his<br />
daring plan, which horrifies his wife and angers the FBI, to use the money as<br />
a reward for information instead of a ransom.<br />
Anderson, John. “Insight from writer of the ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ note” Los Angeles times (Nov<br />
12, 1996), Calendar, p. F10+<br />
Ansen, David. “Money for nothing” Newsweek 128/20 (Nov 11, 1996), p. 74.<br />
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
Arnold, Gary. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ pays off in thrills” Washington times (Nov 8, 1996), p.<br />
C15.<br />
Beifuss, John. “Packaged thrills; Mel Gibson hunts down his son’s kidnappers”<br />
Commercial appeal [Memphis, TN] (Nov 9, 1996), p. 1C.<br />
Berczes, <strong>La</strong>szlo. “Valtsagdij” Filmvilag 40/1 (1997), p. 59.<br />
Berman, Avis. “In the script: The art says ‘They’re rich’” New York times (Nov<br />
3,1996), sec. 2, p. 43+<br />
Bernard, Jami. “Kidnap thriller ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ really pays off; Gibson & Howard know<br />
how to meet the demands of slick suspenser” Daily news [New York, NY]<br />
(Nov 8, 1996), p. 47.<br />
Birnie, Peter. “Mel Gibson takes no hostages; Oscar winner Gibson is the glue that<br />
holds this altogether too slick thriller together” Vancouver sun (Nov 8,<br />
1996), p. C1.<br />
Black, Jill. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Interview 26/11 (Nov 1996), p. 64+<br />
Brennan, Judy. “$35 million paid for ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’s’ weekend” Los Angeles times (Nov<br />
11, 1996), Calendar, p. F1+<br />
Buehrer, Beverly Bare. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Magill’s cinema annual Englewood Cliffs, N.J. :<br />
Salem Press, 1982- (1997, p. 451-3)<br />
Byrge, Duane. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Hollywood reporter (Nov 4, 1996), p. ?<br />
Carr, Jay. “Howard’s ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ pays off” Boston globe (Nov 8, 1996), p. C1.<br />
Cels, Roger. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ demands a fortune” Hollywood reporter (Nov 8, 1996), p. ?<br />
Clark, Mike. “Gary Sinise seizes the show” USA today (Nov 8, 1996), p. D1+<br />
Denby, David. “Capitalist tool” New York 29/44 (Nov 11, 1996), p. 76-77.
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
Dufour, Dirk. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Film en televisie + video no. 469 (Feb 1997), p. 31.<br />
Dutka, Elaine. “Getting a grip on ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’s’ little gaffe” Los Angeles times (Nov 14,<br />
1996), Calendar, p. F10+.<br />
___________. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ higher than expected” Los Angeles times (Nov12, 1996),<br />
Calendar, p. F9.<br />
“The end” Segnocinema no. 84 (Mar/Apr 1997), p. 67.<br />
Fadda, Michele. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Cineforum 37/361 (Jan/Feb 1997), p. 84-5.<br />
Godo, Mikael. “Toffe forhandlinger” Film & Kino no. 7-8 (Dec 1996), p. 34-5.<br />
Gerstel, Judy. “Kidnap thriller full of surprises” Toronto star (Nov 8, 1996), p. D1.<br />
Guthmann, Edward. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ pays high price for cheap violence” San Francisco<br />
chronicle (Mov 8, 1996), p. C1.<br />
Hartl, John. “Howard liked plot twists in ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ remake” Seattle times (Nov 8,<br />
1996), Movietimes, p. G5.<br />
Haskell, Molly. “Lookalike dudes descending a staircase” Film comment 33 (Jan/Feb<br />
1997), p. 82-3.<br />
Haun, Harry. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Film journal 99 (Dec 1996), p. 90.<br />
Howe, Desson. “Refuse to pay this ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’” Washington post (Nov 8, 1996),<br />
Weekend, p. WW42.<br />
Hruska, Bronwen. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ proves an ordeal for Gibson and co-stars” The record<br />
Bergen County, NJ] (Nov 3, 1996), p. Y03.<br />
Joyard, Olivier. “<strong>La</strong> rancon” Cahiers du cinema no. 510 (Feb 1997), p. 79.<br />
Kauffmann, Stanley. “On films; Cracking credibility” New republic 215 (Dec 9,<br />
1996), p. 26-7.<br />
Kelly, Brendan. “Kidnapped: Mel Gibson is a flawed father in ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>,’ Ron<br />
Howard’s darkest edgiest film ever” The gazette [Montreal] (Nov 8, 1996), p.<br />
D1.<br />
Kempley, Rita. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’: One for your money” Washington post (Nov 8, 1996), p.<br />
D1+<br />
Kendall, Lukas. “Lukas attacks!” Film score monthly no. 76 (Dec 1996), p. 21-23.<br />
Kimmel, Daniel M. “Few high notes in ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’” Telegram & gazette [Worcester,<br />
MA] (Nov 8, 1996), p. C4.<br />
King, Dennis. “Mel’s mad; Howard’s ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>” a thrill a minute” Tulsa world (Nov<br />
8, 1996), p. 11.<br />
Klady, Leonard. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ returns the B.O. punch” Variety 365 (Nov 18-24, 1996),<br />
p. 16.<br />
Kolodynski, Andrzej. “Przekraczanie granicy” Kino 31 (Jan 1997), p. 39.<br />
<strong>La</strong>ne, Anthony. “Money for nothing” New Yorker 72/34 (Nov 11, 1996), p. 124-27.<br />
<strong>La</strong>rsen, Dave. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Dayton daily news (Nov 8, 1996), Go!, p. 4.<br />
Lebouc, Georges. “<strong>La</strong> rancon” Grand angle no. 201 (Feb 1997), p. [39-40]<br />
Maslin, Janet. “Vigilante dad vs. kidnappers” New York times (Nov 8, 1996), p. C1.<br />
Mathews, Jack. [<strong>Ransom</strong>] Newsday (Nov 8, 1996), pt. 2, p. B2.<br />
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
McCarthy, Todd. “Take-no-prisoners ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ pays off” Variety 365 (Nov 4-10,<br />
1996), p. 81+<br />
McClellan, Kirstie. “Movie moments; Director says Mel Gibson was perfect casting”<br />
Calgary herald (Nov 8, 1996), p. C1.<br />
McGoogan, Ken. “<strong>Ransom</strong>: It’s every parent’s worst nightmare; It’s also a crackling<br />
good film” Calgary herald (Nov 8, 1996), p. C1.<br />
Medved, Michael. [<strong>Ransom</strong>] New York post (Nov 8, 1996), p. 49.<br />
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
Menarini, Roy. “<strong>Ransom</strong> – il riscatto” Segnocinema no. 84 (Mar/Apr 1997), p. 58-9.<br />
Millar, Jeff. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ offers riveting storytelling” Houston chronicle (Nov 8, 1996),<br />
Weekend preview, p. 1.
Morgenstern, Joe. “Film: Children lost and found” Wall Street journal (Nov 8, 1996),<br />
p. A17.<br />
Movshovitz, Howie. “Restrained directing job serves tense ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ well” Denver<br />
post (Nov 8, 1996), p. F-01.<br />
Neman, Daniel. “Plot idea makes ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ pay off; Movie is slick but lacks heart”<br />
Richmond times-dispatch (Nov 8, 1996), p. C-3.<br />
Nichols, Peter M. “Bugs and Michael work the fast break; <strong>Ransom</strong>” New York times<br />
(Nov 17, 1996), sec. 2, p. 29+<br />
O’Connor, Anne Marie. “The beef” Mademoiselle 102/11 (Nov 1996), p. 107.<br />
Parker, Heidi. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Seventeen 55/11 (Nov 1996), p. 108.<br />
Poggi, Evelina. “<strong>Ransom</strong> – il riscatto” Film [Italy] 5/27 (1997), p. 10-11.<br />
Puig, Claudia. “Warning: Parental advisory” Los Angeles times (Nov 11, 1996),<br />
Calendar, p. F1+<br />
Rainer, Peter. “Oh, keep the kid; Save your money: ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ strikes the wrong note”<br />
New times Los Angeles (Nov 7, 1996), p. ?<br />
“<strong>Ransom</strong>” Film review annual 1997 Englewood, N.J. : J.S. Ozer, 1981- (p. 1201-8)<br />
Riley, Phil. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Motion picture guide annual (edited by Jay Robert Nash and<br />
Stanley Ralph Ross) Chicago : Cinebooks, 1987-2000. (1997, p. 309)<br />
Ringel, Eleanor. “Movies; Review; ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’” Atlanta journal and constitution (Nov<br />
8, 1996), p. ?<br />
Rouyer, Philippe. “<strong>La</strong> rancon” Positif no. 433 (Mar 1997), p. 52.<br />
Rozen, Leah. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” People weekly 46/21 (Nov 18, 1996), p. 20.<br />
Schickel, Richard. “Business as usual” Time 148/22 (Nov 11, 1996), p. 86.<br />
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
Schuelke, Claudia. “Kopfgeld” EPD Film 14 (Jan 1997), p. 36.<br />
Simons, Roger. “The sound of music” Grand angle no. 202 (Mar 1997), p. [59-60]<br />
Slavin, Glenn. “A king’s ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’” Film journal 99 (Nov 1996), p. 10+ [3 p.]<br />
“Soundtrack” Filmbulletin 39/2 [211] (1997), p. 8-9.<br />
Stackpole, John and Stedman, Rus. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Audience no. 193 (Feb/Mar 1997), p.<br />
26-7.<br />
Stedman, Rus (see under Stackpole, John)<br />
Sterritt, David. “Child kidnapping tales trace class hostility” Christian Science<br />
monitor (Nov 18, 1996), p. 14+ [5 p.]<br />
Stone, Jay. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ pays off in Hollywood style: Ron Howard works his magic on<br />
tried-and-true formula that guarantees suspenseful ride” Ottawa citizen (Nov<br />
8, 1996), p. E1.<br />
Turan, Kenneth. “A brave heart or a bad idea?” Los Angeles times (Nov 8, 1996),<br />
Calendar, p. F1+<br />
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
Uricchio, Marylynn. “Unhappy days; Ron Howard fuels paranoia with the gripping<br />
‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’” Pittsburgh post-gazette (Nov 8, 1996), p. 5.<br />
Vigoda, Arlene. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ pays off big” USA today (Nov 12, 1996), p. 1D.<br />
Vincz, Jason. “Missing persons” Village voice 41/47 (Nov 19, 1996), Film special, p.<br />
VF20.<br />
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
Wilmington, Michael. [<strong>Ransom</strong>] Chicago tribune (Nov 8, 1996), Friday, p. A.<br />
Wirt, John. “ ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’ demands moviegoers overlook weak story” The advocate<br />
[Baton Rouge, LA] (Nov 15, 1996), p. 17.<br />
Wloszczyna, Susan. “Roguish star reaps a king’s ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’” USA today (Nov 8,<br />
1996), p. D1+<br />
Wrathall, John. “<strong>Ransom</strong>” Sight & sound 7 (Feb 1997), p. 54-5.<br />
[Reprinted in Film review annual 1997]<br />
Zimm, Angela. “Dissed by Disney, union wants out of ‘<strong>Ransom</strong>’” The daily record<br />
(Dec. 26, 1996), p. A1.
c2005 J.K.M. Enterprises