Watch Hostage

Hostage is a 2005 American thriller film that stars Bruce Willis as Jeff Talley, a former LAPD hostage negotiator who is now the chief of police in the small town of Bristo Camino. Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Crais, the film was directed by Florent Emilio Siri and written by Doug Richardson. The plot of the movie revolves around a family of three - Walter Smith (Kevin Pollak), his wife Jennifer (Michelle Horn), and their teenage daughter Amanda (Serena Scott Thomas) - who are taken hostage by a group of teenage delinquents led by Mars Krupcheck (Ben Foster) after a failed car theft. The Smiths are held in their own house, which has been rigged with explosives, and Jeff is brought in to negotiate their release.

As Jeff tries to contain the situation and negotiate with the captors, he discovers that the situation is much more complicated than it appears. The teenagers have a dark secret, and they are not the only ones with an agenda. Meanwhile, Jeff is dealing with his own personal demons and a strained relationship with his own family, including his wife Jane (Serena Scott Thomas).

The tension in Hostage builds steadily as the situation becomes increasingly dire. The captors become more violent, and time is running out for the Smiths. Jeff is torn between his duty to the hostages and his own desire to protect his family. As the situation spirals out of control, Jeff must make difficult decisions that will have far-reaching consequences.

One of the strengths of Hostage is its strong cast. Bruce Willis gives a solid and nuanced performance as a man trying to do his best in an impossible situation. Ben Foster is also outstanding as the leader of the teenage captors, conveying both a sense of menace and vulnerability. Kevin Pollak, Michelle Horn, and Serena Scott Thomas are also all excellent in their roles.

The film is also visually impressive, with stylish cinematography and atmospheric lighting. The setting of the small town adds to the sense of isolation and claustrophobia, as Jeff and the captors are trapped together in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

However, Hostage is not without its flaws. Some of the plot twists and turns feel contrived and overly convoluted, and the film sometimes veers into melodrama. Additionally, some of the violence and gore may be too intense for some viewers.

Overall, Hostage is a solid thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It has a strong cast, impressive visuals, and a tense atmosphere. While it may not be a classic in the genre, it is certainly worth a watch if you enjoy a good hostage thriller.

Hostage is a 2021 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.