Ransom (1996), Ron Howard: A formulaic Mel Gibson film offers a gripping dilemma, what would you in trying to save your son's life?

Ransom has its flaws, some plot choices lack in any sense and logic, like why would Gary Sinise's bad guy dirty cop decide to beat Rene Russo's character up after she decides to go rogue and do what he wanted? Because it didn't serve the plot which is a plot-hole I didn't buy.

Still, I enjoyed Ransom. It's Ron Howard directing so it's an above average offering. Mel Gibson is playing an average joe whose son is kidnapped and he struggles to understand what is necessary 2 save his child. He isn't playing a cop or an adventurer, just a wealthy dude who's facing an ubelievable situation. Until he goes for the riskiest and scariest decision.

I was also intrigued by the sharing of the perspective of the kidnappers. Gary Sinise plays a dirty NYPD cop, Jimmy Sjaker, who appears to resent Mel Gibson's Tom Mullen for his wealth and privilege, it isn't just greed which is driving his goal, it's the necessity of sticking it for the big guys. He's not just a wicked dude, you see some depht in his performance.

His cronies are played by a hysterical Liev Schreiber and a douche-y Donnie Wahlberg, however Lili Taylor stands out as the sole girl in the gang, and arguably the most sadistic. She poses as a babysitter for the victimized family and when the gang kidnaps the son, she becomes more unhinged by fear and anger. While Sinise's Jimmy Shaker is trying to find the best way of resolving everything, Taylor's Maris just wants to kill the kid in a cold-blooded way, even rebelling against Jimmy by trying to bury the kid alive.

Overall, I enjoyed Ransom. It was an effective action thriller with complex. hot-blooded characters and a satisfying conclusion.