kidnapping mr. heineken
2015 review number 38:
Kidnapping Mr. Heineken: (Drama/Action): 65 out of 100: Based on a true story, this is a basic recount of the planning, execution and aftermath of beer tycoon Alfred "Freddy" Heineken (Anthony Hopkins). Being such a short movie, there really isn't an in-depth look into his character or even any of the kidnappers' characters. If you're after some meaty characterisation, you won't find it here.
Sturgess, Worthington and Kwanten play characters who are among a group of five desperate people who are after some quick money after failing to secure a loan at the bank for a business venture. They come up with the idea of kidnapping Heineken and demand the largest ever ransom for an individual.
Hopkins is the reason to see this film. Although he is in it only briefly, he lights up the screen with his excellent performance. The gang of five do a reasonable job but it's hard to work out why they were allowed to keep their original accents with Sturgess keeping his British accent and Worthington and Kwanten maintaining their Australian accents. Out of all the people from the gang, you only get a brief look into Sturgess' character and his relationship with his pregnant partner.
Another positive to come from this movie is the shooting locations which showcase Amsterdam and Belgium. You can't argue with the outdoor street scenes which bring the atmosphere to life. However, these scenes along with those shot indoors lack tension. For a movie about a major kidnapping, it should be an edge-of-the-seat thriller for which this is clearly not.
Some of the direction could have been better handled. There are some close-up scenes with the shaky camera approach while there are several sequences where there are quick cuts with an example being characters walking but the cameras capturing their walk in several cuts. One shot of them walking is fine, thank you very much.
Although this could have been a much better film, it is still interesting to find out what happens. You won't be bored because of Anthony Hopkins' presence and the theme is generally engaging. The movie sails by quickly and you just wish there was more detail in the character development and the plot. You will be left asking yourself, "Is that all there is?"
Starring Jim Sturgess, Sam Worthington, Ryan Kwanten and Anthony Hopkins
(95 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, violence and adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He-z_L1rGEA (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Friday 13th March, 2015)
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