'Hostage' takes hold of ingenious twist in story

By Jack Garner
Gannett News Service

HOSTAGE (R) Two-and-a-Half Stars (Fair-to-Good) Bruce Willis is a hostage negotiator whose family is taken hostage by dangerous criminals in this "Die Hard" look-alike. Directed by Florent Siri. Miramax, 113 minutes.

Giving parking tickets is a lot less painful than watching people die.

But, of course, a cop can't necessarily escape crimes (even the worst kind). Imagine Talley's disbelief when a hostage situation erupts in his own quiet community.

Three young hoodlums break into a wealthy man's estate and hold the man and his two children hostage.

If that's not enough, it seems the house contains incriminating evidence needed by far more serious criminals. They need Talley to rectify the situation in a way that protects their interest. And, to guarantee it, they hold Talley's wife and child hostage.

Clearly, Talley is having a very bad day.

But, thanks to his negotiation skills, as well as a resourceful, brave youngster within the house, Talley may yet save the day.

"Hostage" isn't the latest "Die Hard" film, but it could be. It has all the action characteristics and Willis' character is enough like John McClane to be his California-based brother. And, as directed by Florent Siri, "Hostage" is a conventional, if moderately successful genre picture.

Willis wears the character like an old glove; he's a decent, no-nonsense character, torn by the threat to his family, but prepared to get the job done.

Ben Foster ("Six Feet Under's" "Russell") is the standout among supporting players, creating the most frighteningly unhinged of the young punks holding hostages in the house.

Of note: Willis' real-life 16-year-old daughter, Rumer, plays Talley's daughter.

Rated R for strong graphic violence, language and some drug use.