screenwriteright

This movie has a lot of favorable reviews probably based on the adrenaline factor that drives most, usually younger, viewers. And it has great atmosphere. But what doesn't it have?

Dialog -- overindulgent and poor screenwriting that needs editing Characters - inconsistent, often stupid, and full of cliches like cops who don't believe what is obvious.

Answers - so many loops that aren't closed Intelligence - by this I mean coming up with obstacles that aren't trite or stupid (Oh! I left my phone on the table! Oh, I dropped my gun.) There is a general rule that when a movie is written and directed by the same person, it will either be superior or inferior. From every aspect except technical aspects (which are very good), this is a highly inferior film that will likely not be enjoyable to more experienced horror watchers.

That said, I have no doubt that many will enjoy it because they don't need a coherent film, they just need a roller coaster and this is a roller coaster with twists and turns. And yet, for much of the film, it's really boring as people talk and talk and YES we get it.

As always, while I think my analysis is correct, what is ENJOYABLE varies from person to person and since I'm in the minority of finding this not enjoyable, have at it. I hope you enjoy it.

At some point, you have to decide if you like this genre, and if you do, accept the fact it is the same plot. Die Hard. Air Force One. Every movie that ends with "...Has Fallen." Yes, it's the same plot. And the attention paid to characters and motivation is minimal at best. So to with this movie, with stilted dialogue, the absolutely required willful teenager. The do-nothing spouse (although in this case the husband). There is the question of "is there an inside conspirator" which, of course, there is, which is not a spoiler because for this genre there ALWAYS is. Is the action believable? Of course not. All laws of physics are suspended, but you had to know that going in because you KNOW this genre. The only question is if this is a good example of the genre. And once you get past the usual amount of idiotic exposition showing the protagonist is a good woman and that she has something to lose (her family), the plot is actually executed pretty well. There are no surprises. None. Why? Because you KNOW this genre. But you accept all the flaws and go along for the ride and it's a pretty fair ride.

A US President is trapped with the G20 world leaders (yes, all tropes), taken over by terrorists, and becomes the badass trying to save the day. Viola Davis may be hard to picture as a badass but she holds her own. And except for a confrontation between her and the main bad guy that really sags, everything else is just what you would want.

No, it's not the best example of the genre, but it's a good one when you just want to veg out.

The show's medical accuracy is just on the border of ridiculous (yes, I'm an MD) and the characters are annoying. Like all CBS and NBC shows, the background relentless ambient music is annoying. Watson's smugness while actually being constantly fooled by others is annoying. Not entirely the actor's fault, as the writing is very weak with plot twists relying on allegedly smart people making dumb mistakes. And the requirement that all misdeeds, no matter how evil, be considered forgivable (again, typical of CBS) frustrates the desire for a story to have a satisfying conclusion. If there weren't a slight connection to the Holmes mythos, there'd be no reason to watch.