Review of Proof of Life (2000) by Deborah H — 03 Nov 2010

This solid turn from Taylor Hackford was laid low by the bad mojo surrounding the real-life affair between stars Crowe and Ryan during filming that doomed her marriage to Dennis Quaid and the prospects for the film's success along with it.

And it's a shame, too, because it's an engrossing, well-made movie. Crowe is totally believable as former SAS soldier Terry Thorn turned troubleshooter for a "risk management" company specializing in kidnap and ransom cases around the world.

Ryan is the weak link playing the irascible wife to a kidnapped David Morse. Hackford places a premium on authenticity and you can see it everywhere, from the performances to the Ecuadoran locations. Even David Caruso, whose trademarked over-emoting is usually a laughable distraction, meshes wonderfully and provides some of the film's best moments.

The final thirty minutes are some truly thrilling action. While the sexual tension between Crowe and Ryan served the story well, Hackford over-played it to the film's detriment and nearly compromised the ending.

Fortunately, he righted the ship before it was too late.