Prisoners

Rated R / 2 hr 33 min / Crime - Drama - Thriller

What is it about? 

Two families are torn apart when the youngest member of each is kidnapped.  They were friends going down the street for a few minutes then they disappear.  Hugh Jackman plays one of the fathers whose grief and anger turns into obsession.  He enlists the help of his friend, the other father, played by Terrance Howard.  Jake Gyllenhaal plays the police officer who is looking for the girls, and he has solved every case he has ever been assigned to.

You will like it if... 

You like movies with a good story.  The pacing in this one is deliberate for dramatic effect.  If you are prone to falling asleep then you might want to invite a friend to elbow you just in case.  While lacking in action, the story is fantastic.  There are a lot of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.  It's a whodunit where breadcrumbs are left along the way that invite you to figure it out.  The cast is top notch, and they all do an excellent job.  My only complaint is that Terrance Howard doesn't have a bigger role, but the movie is long enough as it is.  If you are thinking about going to see this one then stop thinking and go see it.  This is a prime example of the kind of movie I enjoy the most.