Kiss the Girls, first screen adaptation of James Patterson’s novels about forensic psychologist Alex Cross, wasn’t much to write home about, but had enough success at box office to warrant a sequel. It came in 2001 with Along Came a Spider, film directed by Lee Tamahori. Morgan Freeman repeats the role of Dr. Alex Cross, America’s top expert for pathological criminals. The plot shows how, due to his expertise and fame, he became object of interest of Gary Soneji (played by Michael Wincott), man who insists that he takes part in investigation of a crime he has committed. Soneji has managed, despite Secret Service protection, to abduct Megan Rose (played by Mika Boreem), young daughter of powerful US senator. Cross is brought to help with locating Soneji and the girl, and his main partner is Secret Service agent Jezzie Flanagan (played by Monica Potter). Cross comes to conclusion that the main motive for Soneji isn’t the ransom money nor having his way with the girl, but that he wants fame. But he also soon learns that the whole affair is much more complicated that he initially imagined.
Lee Tamahori, New Zealand director who gained fame in his native country with Once Were Warriors, had rather successful career in Hollywood in late 1990s and early 2000s. Along Came a Spider isn’t among his more memorable works, but here he invested sufficient directing skills for the viewers not to be too distracted by things like routine script, complicated yet unconvincing plot and predictable plot twists. Tamahori did it mostly due to good handling of camera and good direction of couple of action scenes that look more realistic than in similar Hollywood thrillers. What makes this film ultimately watchable is the work of good cast. Michael Wincott again shines as villain, while Morgan Freeman, whose regal presence has salvaged much worse films than this, is well-matched with charming Monica Potter. In the end, Along Came a Spider can be recommended as solid thriller and also as an interesting curiosity in light of current events, due to subplot involving young son of Russian president (played by Anton Yelchin) attending school in USA, which makes this film look like period piece. Despite solid box office results, new sequel wasn’t made and instead film series was unsuccessfully rebooted with Alex Cross, 2012 film starring Tyler Perry in main role.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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