Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
The stretch between the end of August and the first of November is usually a dull time of year for movies; it is often the calm before the storm of big-budget holiday films. During this time of year, there usually isn't much going on regarding new releases that I'm excited to see.
Much like checking my fridge multiple times an hour for something new to eat, but not finding anything other than the same bottles of condiments and the jar with three olives that will never be eaten, I often check movie listings over and over, hoping something will look more appealing to me than what I saw the last time I looked. Occasionally, I'm rewarded and a movie is released that looks interesting enough to pull me out of the off-season doldrums.
This year, "Amber Alert" is the movie that caught my attention.
"Amber Alert" is a tight thriller that probes one of parents' worst fears — child abduction. This film stars Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams as two strangers who, by unforeseen circumstances, find themselves together in a car that happens to be behind a car suspected in a child abduction. The film builds in intensity as it progresses, taking us on a wild ride we get to share with the two stars as they experience a roller coaster of twists and turns.
There is a lot to like about this film and a couple of things that could have been better. Let's discuss.
The good
Entertaining
"Amber Alert" starts out mildly enough but consistently ratchets up the intensity throughout the film. There are a lot of tense moments in the film that keep you coiled in your seat, waiting for what's next. The movie manages to throw some twists and misdirection at you, adding to the sense of urgency you are already feeling in this race against time.
Character development
I was impressed by the character arc we get to experience between the two main characters. They start as strangers, but throughout the film we learn more about them as they learn more about each other. The beauty of their vulnerability allows us to understand their motivations for doing what they ultimately do to bring the film to its conclusion.
Often, good character development is lacking in thrillers. However, it is evident that a lot of care was taken in the writing process to make these characters relatable, though they come from two completely different backgrounds. The chemistry between Panettiere and Williams feels natural in its progression, allowing the dialogue to flow and feel believable.
Bang for your buck
Watching the credits roll it's clear the film didn't have a huge budget, as many of the people involved wore multiple hats (including the actors) to get the movie made. What they were able to accomplish with what they had managed to make the movie feel fully fleshed out and not lacking anything necessary to tell a believable story. I don't think most people realize what a challenge it is to make a film feel whole when the budget is tight.
What could have been better
Set design
Honestly, there's not a lot to complain about with this film since it is so solid considering what they had to work with. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the interior of one of the locations. It felt overdone when I think more could have been done with less.
I don't want to give anything away, so I will keep it a little vague. The set decoration of this particular home interior was used to establish the mood for the film and the antagonist's state of mind. Eventually, though, it became too much and started to feel like one of the million haunted houses in Utah you might pay to visit on Halloween.
Again, it's a minor complaint, as it is Halloween time, so it may not feel out of place to anyone but me.
Boss fight
I may be admitting more about myself by this than I want, but I would have liked to see a little more of the final struggle between the heroes and the villain. Call it my sense of justice, but there is a certain satisfaction we get from seeing the bad guy get what he deserves (and he does). I just wish the final fight could have been drawn out a little longer, with a couple more action sequences, to help us feel slightly more invested in the justice that ultimately gets served.
Conclusion
"Amber Alert" is a well-crafted thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and excitement.
If you're looking for a satisfying film to watch this fall that isn't an over-the-top horror or slasher film, "Amber Alert" is worth checking out. As a bonus, you will definitely want to go home and hug your kids a little tighter.
"Amber Alert" is rated PG-13 for violent content, disturbing images, thematic material and language.
