Tell Spike that the tension has been held hostage and should be freed

Rating: 6/10 (8 August 2006)

Difficult to describe why this movie didn't make the grade. Was expecting a tense, intelligent thriller, something a la 'The Usual Suspects', though that was probably expecting a bit much. When you look back, what the hell actually happened after the initial hold up and capture of the hostages. The cops flail around outside for what seems like an eternity while the audience, who have coped on ages before what Clive Owen actually has in mind, twiddle their thumbs and wonder what IQ is required to get into the police force. There is no element of surprise, no twist, no tension and unfortunately no connection with any of the characters, apart from Owen who is engaging enough. Instantly forgettable.