Review of Desperate Measures (2011) by Matt S — 13 Jun 2007

It's a reasonable thriller. Characterisation is adequate with the emotional links between father and son developed well, and the action and special effects are substantial, with an eye-pleasing series of scenes once the criminal takes control of one of the two hospital blocks. Of course, the sets do become slightly monotonous after a while, and you might just get tired of hospitals after this movie.

However, with all the thematic talk about 'redemption', one factor managed to keep my mind from giving this film too low a rating. Michael Keaton, as the convict Peter McCabe, absolutely stole the show. He's determined as hell, dislocating a thumb to escape his restraints... highly perceptive, managing to shoot down a SWAT guy in a ventilation shaft with no warning... bloody unpredictable, using a propane cylinder for a police trap... and yet somewhat charming, with a great scene between him and the cancerous boy.

So, if you like evil guys with charisma, don't pass by this movie.