Kidnapper (1993)

Kidnapper: Directed by Darrell Roodt. With Patrick Swayze, Halle Berry, Sabrina Lloyd, Brian Bonsall. Adventures of a deadbeat dad who kidnaps his kids from the bus. Based on the true life stories and experiences of Michael J. Hardy.

“This is one of those rare comedies that wouldu0026#39;ve worked better as a drama. Possibly thatu0026#39;s because, as a comedy, there isnu0026#39;t a single laugh, but the movie had a good dramatic premise, along the lines of Rain Man almost. The filmu0026#39;s biggest fault, besides the dreaful, unfocused script, is the mediocre acting. Swayze is decidedly wooden, a sign that even he knew the film had little hope, and doesnu0026#39;t even attempt to breath any life into the bland film. The two actors who played his kids, Sabrina Lloyd (a 23 year old playing a 10 year old) and Brian Bonsall, donu0026#39;t fare much better. Though neither of them had roles that had any sense of depth, they still manage to disappoint, though at times Bonsall does hint that he has the makings of a Culkin like star. The filmu0026#39;s sole redeeming performance comes from then-unknown Halle Berry, playing a reporter. Though her role is a small one, it is pivotal to the story, and itu0026#39;s clear why she became such a big star afterward.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnother problem with u0026#39;Father Hoodu0026#39;, is that the lead character, played by Swayze, isnu0026#39;t the least bit likeable. If their intentions for the movie were for it to be a family film, itu0026#39;s unneccesarily dark and violent, but as a serious action/comedy, itu0026#39;s just too bland and boring. Pass on this one, it isnu0026#39;t entirely bad, but itu0026#39;s pretty close. For serious Swayze fans only.”