Final Call – Wenn er auflegt, muss sie sterben (2004)

Final Call – Wenn er auflegt, muss sie sterben: Directed by David R. Ellis. With Caroline Aaron, Kim Basinger, Brenda Ballard, Will Beinbrink. A young man receives an emergency phone call on his cell phone from an older woman. The catch? The woman claims to have been kidnapped; and the kidnappers have targeted her husband and child next.

“Director David Ellisu0026#39; u0026quot;Cellularu0026quot; 2004, is rather entertaining in spite of the predictable storyline. Chris Morganu0026#39;s debut screenplay is based on a story by Larry Cohen, who wrote u0026quot;Phone Boothu0026quot; 2002 (directed by Joel Schumacher with the literally outstanding performance by Colin Farrell). u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePerhaps I went to see the movie without much expectation, hence being able to enjoy it fine as it is. If you expect substance, this movie is not it — director Michael Mannu0026#39;s recent film u0026quot;Collateralu0026quot; 2004, with Tom Cruise, Jaimie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith, did optimize the cellular phone as part of a substantial plot progression. To be more esoteric, try the Iranian film by w-d Abbas Kiarostami (of u0026quot;A Taste of Cherryu0026quot; fame), u0026quot;The Wind Will Carry Usu0026quot; 2000, which also featured the cellular phone in a down to earth way. Also brings to mind is the Danish film by Dogma w-d Thomas Vintenberg u0026quot;The Celebrationu0026quot; aka Festen 1998 (an emotional powerhouse surrounding the reunion of a dysfunctional family), and the PBS TV series u0026quot;Recklessu0026quot; 1997-98 with the irresistible ménage a trois of Robson Green, Francesca Annis and Michael Kitchen, the cellular phone was well featured as a plot u0026#39;crutchu0026#39; in both. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s a timely reflection, or reminder, of how cellular technology is consumingly inhabiting our lives, and here in this breeze of a movie, we have a life saver adventure — a day in the life of Ryan (Chris Evans), to the rescue of a civilian family from the claws of relentless bad cops (well, nothing so complicated or devastatingly psycho-play as u0026quot;Training Day,u0026quot; of course). This is a lightweight fare. Just enjoy it as it is. Kim Basinger and William H. Macy didnu0026#39;t have to exert much acting chops per se. Evans, and the video cellphones (yes, not just one, thereu0026#39;s two needed to complete the plot turns), sure carried the movie, alright. One would forgive or welcome the convenient plot points that Basinger happens to be a teacher of science/biology handy with wires (harkens the beginning credit of production company name — u0026quot;Electric Entertainment,u0026quot; hm), and Macyu0026#39;s soon to retire good cop happens to follow his curiosity instinct, and thank goodness Evanu0026#39;s character turned out to be not so goofy but smarter and thinking by the minute. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s relaxing entertainment, with no need of foul language involved — straightforward ride, with adequate supporting roles including Jason Statham (u0026quot;The Transporteru0026quot; 2002 and u0026quot;The Italian Jobu0026quot; 2003), and a seemingly unsuspecting role as the cop boss by Noah Emmerich (last seen in u0026quot;Beyond Bordersu0026quot; 2003 opposite Clive Owen and Angelina Jolie).”