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The movie Phone Booth, released in 2002, is a psychological thriller directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Colin Farrell, Kiefer Sutherland, and Forest Whitaker. The film tells the story of Stu Shepard (Farrell), a sleazy publicist who finds himself trapped inside a phone booth in New York City by an unknown sniper (Sutherland), who threatens to kill him if he hangs up the phone.

The movie begins with Stu Shepard dealing with his clients' problems from a public phone booth in Manhattan. Suddenly, he answers a call that changes his life forever. The voice on the other end of the line warns him that he will be killed if he hangs up the phone. Initially, Stu thinks it's a prank call, but he soon realizes the situation is very real. The sniper, who is watching him through a rifle scope, proves his point by killing a passerby in front of Stu.

Stu's life spirals out of control as he's forced to stay inside the phone booth, pinned down by the sniper's razor-sharp aim. News of the incident quickly spreads, attracting the attention of the police, the media, and even Stu's wife, Kelly (Radha Mitchell), who becomes embroiled in the drama after hearing Stu's voice on television. A nearby prostitute named Pam (Katie Holmes) tries to help Stu, but her presence only complicates matters further.

As the hours tick by, Stu is forced to confront his own moral shortcomings and the consequences of his actions while dealing with the life or death situation. Moreover, the sniper, who calls himself "The Caller," presents Stu with a twisted psychological game, in which he forces Shepard to confront his faults and past sins. Meanwhile, the police, led by Captain Ed Ramey (Whitaker), painstakingly try to identify the sniper before he kills Stu or anyone else.

The movie is a tension-filled nail-biter as Stu's predicament becomes more and more dire. He's helpless, vulnerable, and alone, with only The Caller's voice to keep him company. Colin Farrell's acting is superb in portraying the gradual breakdown of a man's psyche as he's forced to confront the darkest parts of his soul. Kiefer Sutherland does an equally impressive job in playing the tightly coiled sniper, who brews up a storm of rage and frustration at Stu's unwillingness to take responsibility for his actions.

The movie is tightly paced, with the action taking place almost entirely on a single street corner. The sense of claustrophobia is palpable, and the audience shares Stu's sense of desperation and panic as the stakes get progressively higher. The sniper's eerie voice and menacing tone only add to the sense of danger in the film, and the tense exchanges between him and Stu are some of the highlights of the movie.

The film is notable for its innovative use of a phone booth as a story device. Phone Booth was released before the widespread adoption of cell phones and smartphones and, therefore, relies on a technology that was practically ubiquitous in the 90s and early 2000s but that now seems almost archaic. The film's concept is well-executed, and it is an excellent example of how a seemingly mundane technological device can become the backbone of a thrilling story.

The movie Phone Booth is a suspenseful and engaging thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its tense atmosphere and strong performances from Farrell, Sutherland, and Whitaker make it a must-see for anyone who loves psychological thrillers. Schumacher's direction and Larry Cohen's screenplay ensure that the movie is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The themes of responsibility and redemption are woven subtly into the story, making for a satisfying and impactful conclusion that packs an emotional punch.

In conclusion, Phone Booth is a gripping psychological thriller that delivers on its promises. With its tight pacing, strong script, and excellent performances, it's a film that deserves to be ranked among the best in its genre. Anyone who loves suspenseful movies will find much to like in Phone Booth, and it's a movie that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.

Phone Booth is a 2003 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 56.