‘Taking Lives’ satisfies in cinematography, score

Matt Bellner of Burbank is an actor.

If you like serial-killer/ mystery movies, then the Angelina Jolie

film, “Taking Lives,” is for you. If you need your movies to be

completely logical, avoid this film.

Jolie plays Illeana Scott, an FBI agent sent to Montreal to help

the French-Canadians solve a string of related murders. Jolie does an

excellent job in a role that would usually be played by Ashley Judd.

I guess Judd was busy. No offense to FBI agents, but Jolie is too

good looking to be a cop.

Ethan Hawke plays James Costa, the only witness in the

investigation. Hawke is his usual best and his chemistry with Jolie

heats up the screen during a very sexy scene.

Based on the book by Michael Pye, the film feels like something

you would read on a rainy day while drinking coffee. It is sprinkled

with a few jump-in-your- seat-type scares that had the audience

screaming.

Since it was shot in Canada, for once, I’m glad it took place in

Canada. The cinematography and score are both top notch.

“Taking Lives” is not a great film. It’s a mindlessly thrilling

movie that will give you a few jolts of fright.

It is, however, an excellent date movie and the couples at my

screening were having a wonderful time. I took my friend John. Cool

guy, bad date.

In conclusion: “Taking Lives” is like a doughnut. It’s a tasty

little treat but there’s still a hole in the middle.

“Taking Lives” is rated R for strong violence including disturbing

images, language and some sexuality.