Amber Alert

Kerry Bellessa dares to redeem her 2012 film and does so with a more cautious, more meaningful approach and with two more relatable characters that transform this remake into a pleasant thriller that manages to have moments more in line with what was needed before.

The 2012 film brought us love and hate among viewers who enjoyed or had a bad time with the original version, this time its director is accompanied again by her screenwriter Joshua Oram to give the necessary touches and changes to that first script and as a result we have a much more welcoming film whose great strength is finding two considerably more approachable characters in the skin of two correct interpretations such as those of Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams.

The on-screen chemistry of both actors allows us to connect and have sympathy for both characters, even more so when they are given really interesting motivations that make everything feel much more like belonging in the decisions they both make. The same happens with their supporting actors who are more present and interact more in the plot, which also allows the film to be carried out in a more intense way.

Of course, the film has its flaws in several decisions that are made, which make us feel that everything is done more correctly and without trying to shock anyone, a detail that also means that the villain of the film feels a little softer than in the original, and we must consider that the decisions of its final climax are somewhat lacking in energy, which takes away the impact of its outcome, although it has some new twists that make for a nice little mind game.

It is well directed, with a cast that is up to par and a story that works and is effective. It could have dared to be much more consistent, of course, but playing it safe is not a bad thing either, because the film is a good pastime that manages to have significant moments with which you will enjoy this thriller and its suspense in an acceptable way and without major distractions.

A clear message, an effective premise and a proposal that this new version fulfills goes up a notch from the original and that completes the redemption that its director sought, a mission accomplished without further gratification.

Look it's not going to win any Oscars, but it's not as bad as some reviewers are making it out to be. The acting is not oscar worthy, but what are you expecting here? Saying that, the acting is not that bad either. There is enough tension and suspense to keep you hooked. Honestly I think this was quite good. I have seen A LOT worse out there.

At the beginning you think Hayden's character is a bit airheaded and selfish and I guess that was the intention. They don't overplay that the taxi driver is a bad dad. He's just trying to make it like every other person out there. Trying to do good by his kid. But at the same time trying to do good.

So yeah, the police could have done more. But they didn't stereotype it so that they did absolutely nothing or the opposite, overplayed it so it was way too unrealistic. If this movie nteaches us anything, its that far too often people do nothing when they really should. People don't want to get involved, but at the same time it's not trying to advocate that everyone should take the law into their own hands. It's trying to tell us that if you see something they is not right, trust your instincts. If it proves to be nothing, then at least you tried. But what if you ignored your instincts, what if you were one move away from saving someone. Think on that and stop judging every step like it has to be epic.

Just to further add the statement at the end of the movie, AMBER stands for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. The acronym was created as a legacy to 9- year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and then brutally murdered.

Now I quite disagree with one reviewer who said the idea was great but the execution is awful. I thought the story line and the acting was quite well done. I have seen Hayden in a number of movies, but in this one she did very well playing the leading heroine role.

The story was a bit similar to.the 2017 Halle Berry movie Kidnap, where her son is kdinapped in broad daylight and quick thinking Berry jumps in her car and starts a hot pursuit of the kidnappers. That was also a pretty decent movie.

Anyway to cut a long story short I quite enjoyed this movie.

Amber Alert (2024) delivers a tense and suspenseful thriller that keeps you on edge for most of its runtime, but ultimately falls short of being a standout in the genre. The movie revolves around a child abduction case, using the titular "Amber Alert" as its central plot device, and blends elements of crime drama with psychological tension.

The film's greatest strength lies in its atmosphere. The pacing is relentless, with enough twists and turns to maintain engagement, especially in the first two acts. The direction does a commendable job of creating a sense of urgency and dread, with handheld camera work and dark, claustrophobic settings that enhance the mood.

Performances are solid across the board, especially from the lead detective, whose emotional conflict adds a human layer to the otherwise procedural narrative. The abductor is portrayed with chilling ambiguity, keeping the audience guessing about motives and identity until the final act.

However, where Amber Alert stumbles is in its third act. The resolution, while satisfying, feels rushed and a little predictable. Some of the emotional beats don't land as effectively as they could, and the supporting characters often feel underdeveloped, leaving you wanting more depth. Additionally, the film occasionally leans too heavily on familiar thriller tropes, making parts of the story feel formulaic.

Overall, Amber Alert is a well-crafted thriller that delivers enough tension and drama to be worth watching. It may not break new ground in the genre, but for its strong performances and atmospheric direction, this film should be on your watchlist, though it may not leave a lasting impression.

We have all heard plenty about paedophiles by now, but this film does a very good job in bringing the emotions and pain that mother figures experience from losing a child. The main character Jaq has a heartbreaking moment of her own which got me bawling my eyes out, just thinking about the loss she went through at one stage in her life. Hayden Panettiere does a great job of the lead role and it was nice to see her as a mature woman after last seeing her in the tv series "Heroes". The location choice for the perpetrator's residence had me feeling quite creeped out by its bizarreness, and I'm always in awe at the amount of good film locations that exist in America for this type of genre. Good Friday night movie. Enjoy.