Watch Held for Ransom

Held for Ransom is a tense thriller from 2000, directed by Lee Stanley, and starring Dennis Hopper, Zachery Ty Bryan, and Kam Heskin. The movie opens with a happy family enjoying a day out on a yacht, only for their day to take a dark turn as they are ambushed and taken hostage by a group of ruthless criminals. The head of the family, Kyle (Zachery Ty Bryan), is a high school student who is struggling to bond with his father, Stan (Robert Carradine), a successful businessman who is more focused on his work than his family. Along with his parents, Kyle's younger sister, and her friend, the family quickly realizes that their captors are not messing around as they are subjected to brutal interrogation tactics and constant threats of violence.

As the days pass, tensions rise as the hostages attempt to survive and find a way to escape. The criminals, led by Harvey (Dennis Hopper), are desperate for a large ransom, but as the negotiations between the captors and the family stall, it becomes clear that there is more at play.

With the help of the family's chauffeur (Brandon Adams), who has his own secrets and motivations, the hostages devise a risky plan to outsmart their captors and regain their freedom.

Held for Ransom is a tightly-wound thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances are impressive, particularly those of Hopper and Bryan, who both bring nuanced depth to their roles. The tension is palpable throughout, with the movie's pacing never allowing for any relief. The themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal are explored throughout the film, adding depth to what could have been just another standard hostage movie.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, as the movie's setting on a yacht provides for striking visuals and claustrophobic, close-quarter scenes. The score, composed by David Michael Frank, adds to the tension, heightening the stakes and jarring the audience with its sudden, intense shifts.

Overall, Held for Ransom is a gripping thriller that stands out amongst its genre peers. The movie's exploration of family dynamics and betrayal elevates it beyond a typical action movie, while its tense pacing and impressive performances keep the audience engaged until the very end.

Held for Ransom is a 2000 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.