Aviron Pictures | Release Date: August 4, 2017
5.2
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 52 Ratings
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Positive:
19
Mixed:
19
Negative:
14
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5
CarFan1999Sep 15, 2017
The plot is really simple. Halle Berry plays a single mother who’s going through a bad divorce. She takes her son to a park and the second she leaves him to take a phone call, he gets kidnapped. From there, the movie consists of car chasesThe plot is really simple. Halle Berry plays a single mother who’s going through a bad divorce. She takes her son to a park and the second she leaves him to take a phone call, he gets kidnapped. From there, the movie consists of car chases and fight scenes until the inevitable conclusion. It’s a simple premise and the best part about the movie is Halle Berry. She is what holds this movie together. Her character is one who is strong, protective, and will do anything to get her son back, though it can be said that some of the things she does in order to get her son back are reckless and dangerous. She isn’t great here, but does a good enough performance. The rest of the actors did an ok job.

However, apart from Berry, the rest of the movie is a mess. The story had potential, but the execution of it is rather poor and predictable. This movie takes itself seriously, but some of the stuff that happens is way over-the-top and unrealistic. Berry also occasionally overacts, so at times, you’ll enjoy watching this for the wrong reasons. It’s more like a standard action movie than a dramatic thriller. Some scenes were well-done while others were more silly. The action scenes were decent for the most part, but the car chases were done in a mediocre way. After awhile, it becomes somewhat boring. The editing is the worst part of the movie. During key action scenes, the camera cuts between multiple shots, making the movie feel quite choppy. The visual effects and camerawork were just ok.

Overall, Kidnap is a decent movie. It’s more of an action film than a drama. Hally Berry does a mostly good performance and some of the action scenes were exciting. However, what hurts this movie is somewhat poor directing, terrible editing, and a story that’s just average. I give it a 50%. It’s not worth watching in theaters, but because the run time is very short (under 90 minutes) and it was entertaining (in both good and bad ways), it’s worth watching on-demand if you have nothing else to do.
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
GinaKAug 8, 2017
A good, old-fashioned action picture that occasionally went off the rails of believability. It’s a shame that Halle Berry can’t get a more prestigious vehicle (no pun intended) since she was always believable and a pleasure to watch. The filmA good, old-fashioned action picture that occasionally went off the rails of believability. It’s a shame that Halle Berry can’t get a more prestigious vehicle (no pun intended) since she was always believable and a pleasure to watch. The film was inventive enough to hold my interest and was a perfect summer movie getaway. I was amazed that the Metacritic audience gave the film such an overall bad rating (the critics did a better job – the film is what it is without pretensions). Are pretentious films like Atomic Blonde and Dunkirk really so much better? Or a lame stab at “art” like A Ghost Story? Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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5
eagleeyevikingSep 29, 2017
In terms of action, "Kidnap" is an intense thrill ride. However, the film is bogged down by a script that needs a re-do, as well as plenty of useless scenes.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
EpicLadySpongeAug 4, 2017
Kidnap gets kidnapped... by itself. Alright, not really... but the concept of this film within a review makes it look like it. Stereotypes everywhere I agree, yes? Stereotypes or clichés, whatever you call it, make this film look ridiculouslyKidnap gets kidnapped... by itself. Alright, not really... but the concept of this film within a review makes it look like it. Stereotypes everywhere I agree, yes? Stereotypes or clichés, whatever you call it, make this film look ridiculously predictable from the start and are the huge reason why Kidnap kidnaps itself to a mediocre score. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
HfahmyAug 14, 2017
A relatively short film that goes straight to the point. A single mother suffers the kidnapping of her son while in a park. The film revolves around a single actress, the mother Halle Berry who relentlessly fights to get her kid back. SomeA relatively short film that goes straight to the point. A single mother suffers the kidnapping of her son while in a park. The film revolves around a single actress, the mother Halle Berry who relentlessly fights to get her kid back. Some participation from the kidnapers, Chris McGinn and Lew Temple. The scenario is simple and has been said many times before. The film is highly attracting because of the restless cat chasing. You feel tired after the first half as if you are part of the chase. An entertaining movie without sophistication. You won't feel cheated. Appreciable acting and directing without much claims. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
temptershellSep 3, 2017
A solid dose of desperate Halle Berry, who in the rescue of her son is better than Bruce Willis himself in rest of his best roles. There is a lot of panic, a lot of poor montage and pitiful supporting acting. Pleasant to watch but for a whileA solid dose of desperate Halle Berry, who in the rescue of her son is better than Bruce Willis himself in rest of his best roles. There is a lot of panic, a lot of poor montage and pitiful supporting acting. Pleasant to watch but for a while I have enough of this actress. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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