Taking Lives Movie Review: Thrills, Characters, and the Cinematic Universe Explained - Movie Outlines - Backstage, Briefs, Movie reviews and ratings by Film Critic

Taking Lives Movie Review: Is This Thriller Worth Your Time?

Ever scroll through endless movie options? You are not alone. Many find it hard to pick a film worth two hours. Today, let’s discuss the 2004 thriller, Taking Lives, featuring Angelina Jolie and Ethan Hawke. Is it a work of brilliance or a forgettable flick? Let’s explore.

General Information: The Lowdown on Taking Lives

Curious about Taking Lives? Let’s start with the basics. Is it worth watching? Critics have given a lukewarm reception. One blunt reviewer claims, "Taking Lives is a foolish thriller with stars who deserve better." They mention "a couple of thrills," but it’s "not for kids." Manage your expectations here.

What’s the story? Buckle up; it’s a twisted ride. Taking Lives introduces a serial killer with a peculiar method. He takes on the personalities of his victims. Creepy, right? Special Agent Illeana Scott, played by Angelina Jolie, must hunt him down. A witness named Costa, played by Ethan Hawke, becomes part of this hunt. It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

What about the source material? Yes, Taking Lives stems from a 1999 thriller by Michael Pye. The book follows an FBI profiler chasing a killer who steals identities. The film adaptation takes a "loosely adapted" approach. If you expect a faithful interpretation, surprises await.

Where does the film take place? Taking Lives filmed in the charming city of Montréal, Québec. Its "Arrondissement historique de Montréal" offers a fitting backdrop for this FBI agent thriller. Who knew cobblestone streets fit so well with serial killings? Montréal provides a "creative backdrop for filmmakers." Now you know why the setting looks so good.

Let's revisit critics for clarity. "Taking Lives is a foolish thriller with actors deserving better." This isn’t an impressive endorsement. "A couple of genuine thrills, but not for kids." It seems like a decent popcorn flick for adults seeking mild suspense, but don't expect high art.

Characters: Meet the Key Players in Taking Lives

Who's who in this thriller? Let’s break down the key characters in Taking Lives. First, there's Hart. The content brief gives no details on Hart. Intriguing, right? Maybe he’s a minor character, or so forgettable he had no description. The mystery of Hart lingers.

Next up is Special Agent Illeana Scott, played by Angelina Jolie. She’s the FBI profiler sent to Montréal for this case. Illeana's mission: catch the killer impersonating his victims. She's usually sharp, insightful, and likely has personal issues. After all, what's a movie profiler without baggage? Jolie’s intensity might elevate the foolish movie, as critics say.

What about Costa? That’s Ethan Hawke's character. Costa is a "witness" drawn into Illeana's investigation. Is he just a bystander? Or is there more beneath the surface? With Hawke involved, we expect nuanced performance, even with questionable plot turns. The dynamic between Jolie’s agent and Hawke’s witness may drive the film’s suspense.

Plot Details: Unpacking the Twists and Turns of Taking Lives

Let’s delve deeper into Taking Lives. "What is the plot?" you ask. The premise revolves around a serial killer who steals identities along with lives. He eliminates victims and becomes them, adopting their personas. This chilling concept layers psychological complexity into the thriller recipe. Special Agent Illeana Scott arrives to solve this tangled web.

Now, about that ending... "What happens at the end of Taking Lives?" Spoiler alert! The climax features a showdown between Illeana and the killer, Asher. In dramatic irony, Illeana stabs Asher in the heart with scissors. Yes, scissors. But wait! She then reveals a fake pregnancy with an elaborate trap. Months of planning went into this deception; Asher dies. Illeana informs LeClair, presumably her boss, “the ordeal is over.” It’s a theatrical, slightly absurd, but conclusive ending.

The killer's identity-stealing method – is it fictional? Yes and no. "Serial killer takes on victims' personalities." It sounds unique for a thriller. While the film is inspired by Pye's work, it likely exaggerates for dramatic effect. The brief states, "they mostly just used the opening scene and the gimmick of a killer who ‘takes the lives’ of his victims." While some reality may inspire it, don’t expect a documentary; enjoy the suspenseful and potentially foolish ride instead.

Cast and Crew: Behind the Scenes of Taking Lives

Gossip alert! "Angelina Jolie and Ethan Hawke dating rumors." During Taking Lives' filming in 2003, rumors swirled about an off-screen romance between leads. Star Magazine claimed they “hooked up.” This coincided with Uma Thurman's divorce filing from Hawke in 2004, citing infidelity as a reason. Yet, the article hedges, hinting "Angie might not have been to blame," echoing Jolie's past controversies. The truth? Unknown amid the swirling gossip.

Ethan Hawke commented on Angelina Jolie's allure. In a colorful analogy, he called her like Mozart. “Why is Amadeus, Wolfgang Mozart, genius? Angelina Jolie was born to whittle men weak. When she kisses you, you don’t know your name.” It’s an intense compliment. "Born to whittle men?" A memorable way to describe attraction. Perhaps this reflects Jolie's allure or simply Hawke's style. This quote invites conversation about beauty and talent.

Other Movies: Exploring a Cinematic Universe

Now, let’s shift gears to explore films that might pique your interest.

interest if you're in the mood for more cinematic adventures. We'll touch upon genres and themes, from action thrillers to thought-provoking dramas.

The Take (Bastille Day): Action in the City of Lights

First up, The Take, also known as Bastille Day, is an action thriller starring Idris Elba. Is it worth watching? One review states, "Pretty good, for what it is." It is not a rave, but also not a dismissal. The reviewer calls it a "sound action thriller." Idris Elba performs strongly as usual. So, if you're looking for solid action and Idris Elba's presence, The Take is a decent choice for no-frills entertainment.

Idris Elba in a CIA movie? Yes, sort of. While The Take isn't explicitly labeled as a "CIA movie," Elba plays a CIA agent. The trailer synopsis mentions "Michael Mason," a wanted man with fraud charges. Elba's character must go after him discreetly. Things likely escalate beyond discretion, given that it's an action thriller. If you enjoy seeing Idris Elba as a suave agent navigating chaos, check out The Take.

They Live: Sunglasses and Social Commentary

We have They Live, a John Carpenter classic. What's the message? According to Shepard Fairey, whose "Obey" campaign was inspired by the film, They Live has "a strong message about commercialism." It's a film that critiques societal structures and hidden agendas.

Themes in They Live? Commercialism and manipulation by advertising are central. Carpenter stated the film stemmed from his "dissatisfaction with Ronald Reagan’s policies." The narrative uses alien invasion as a metaphor for consumerism and propaganda's control over society. It encourages viewers to question what they see.

Rated R for violence – why? They Live earns its R rating due to "brutal and graphic" violence. One scene features "a man enters a bank with guns, going on a spree." Expect intense action sequences and graphic content if you watch They Live. It combines social commentary with Carpenter's action style.

Past Lives: Love, Loss, and Lingering Connections

Switching gears, we have Past Lives. Ending explained? The film culminates in a deeply emotional moment. The two main characters, Nora and Hae Sung, share a "silent emotional embrace." Hae Sung tells Nora, "let's meet then." As he departs in a taxi, Nora cries in her husband's arms. The ending is heart-wrenching, emphasizing missed connections and past relationships. It's a film that lingers in your mind after the credits.

To Live: A Banned Masterpiece from China

Next, we have To Live, a banned film in China. Ending details? The movie ends "several years later," with the family visiting graves of deceased members. It's somber but ultimately hopeful, emphasizing resilience and life's cyclical nature. Jiazhen leaves dumplings at her son's grave, a poignant tradition. The ending suggests continuity of life and bonds.

Why was To Live banned? The film was banned due to its "grim depiction of peasant life" and historical portrayals. Despite this, it gained acclaim and numerous awards. Its significance is such that "American teachers show the movie in schools today." To Live provides a critical perspective on Chinese history, contributing to its censorship but also solidifying its importance.

Life: Space, Terror, and a Shocking Twist

Back to sci-fi horror, we have Life, set in space with a terrifying alien creature. Ending details? The ending includes a major twist. It's revealed that "David," one astronaut, returned to Earth with the alien while "Miranda" was sent to deep space. It subverts expectations and delivers an unsettling conclusion.

Who survives at the end of Life? Technically, "Miranda" survives in deep space. However, "David" survives too but ends up on Earth with the deadly alien, "Calvin." Neither character truly wins. David sacrifices himself to trap Calvin while Miranda’s fate is uncertain as she drifts into space. It’s a survival story with a downbeat ending.

Plot and setting of Life? The film is on the International Space Station, where the crew discovers "the first evidence of extraterrestrial life." Initially a triumph, things quickly turn nightmarish as the "evolving life-form proves intelligent and dangerous." What starts as science turns into a fight for survival against a hostile entity in the ISS's confines.

The Upside: An Unlikely Friendship

We have The Upside, starring Kevin Hart. Kevin Hart as caregiver? Yes, in The Upside, Hart plays a caregiver to a wealthy quadriplegic man played by Bryan Cranston. Hart's character is an "ex-con with no experience." The film explores the bond between these different individuals.

Based on a true story? Yes, The Upside is "based on a true story." It’s a remake of Intouchables, inspired by the real-life relationship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver Abdel Yasmin Sellou. The film captures their connection, highlighting empathy and common ground.

The Message: A Biopic of the Prophet Muhammad

For a historical epic, there's The Message. Movie message? The Message tells the story of the Prophet Muhammad uniquely. "In accordance with Islamic law," the film never depicts the Prophet. Instead, it portrays his story through key figures. Characters like Abu Sofyan and Hamza narrate Muslims' early struggles, persecution, migration to Medina, and return to Mecca.

The Truman Show: Reality TV Gone Meta

A mind-bending dramedy, The Truman Show explores reality and media manipulation. Movie about a man living in a TV show? Yes. The Truman Show is about "a man discovering his life is broadcast" without his knowledge. Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey, is unwittingly a star of a reality show. Everything around him is staged.

In Time: Paying with Your Life

For a dystopian sci-fi thriller, there's In Time. Movie where you pay with lives? Yes, in In Time, time is currency. "In a future where people stop aging at 25, but only live one more year," time becomes the ultimate commodity. Wealthy individuals can buy immortality, while the

Poor people struggle to survive daily. The film shows themes of class inequality. It highlights social injustice too. Time is valuable. In this world, time represents life.

Time of Their Lives: A Road Trip Through Europe

Next is Time of Their Lives, a light comedy. It was filmed in Europe. Filming started in France in July 2016. In the UK, they filmed in Portsmouth, Bournemouth, and London. The theme song "Morty and Me" features Sophie Ellis-Bextor. If you want a light movie set in Europe, Time of Their Lives is a good choice.

Fatherhood: A Father's Love After Loss

We also have Fatherhood. Kevin Hart stars in this dramatic role. Yes, Hart faces a heartbreaking moment. His character's wife dies the day after giving birth to their daughter. The film follows his journey through grief and single parenthood. It shows Hart's acting range beyond comedy.