Introduction:
In “Kiss the Girls,” Freeman’s role is more prominent compared to his character in “Seven” from 1995, which seems to have influenced this movie. Here, he takes the lead, playing a cop at the heart of the plot, providing a clear focus missing in the buddy-driven “Seven.” Once more, he portrays a detective pursuing a disturbing serial killer, with dark shadows, a cunning villain, and crimes meant to convey a twisted message.
Kiss the Girls(Photo credit: Netflix)
Table of Contents
“Kiss the Girls” Netflix review
Plot Summary:
In “Kiss the Girls,” we meet Dr. Alex Cross, played by Morgan Freeman. He’s not just a detective but also a forensic psychologist. The plot thickens when his niece, Naomi Cross, disappears, caught up in a troubling case. Naomi is among the many young women snatched by a serial kidnapper called “Casanova,” working in North Carolina. This criminal keeps his victims captive in an underground shelter, where he plays mind games with them.
Renowned forensic psychologist Alex Cross (played by Morgan Freeman) faces a distressing situation when he finds out that his niece is missing. Seeking help from Detective Nick Ruskin (portrayed by Cary Elwes), Cross suspects that the disappearance might be linked to a deranged murderer called “Casanova.” In a parallel event, Dr. Kate McTiernan (portrayed by Ashley Judd) gets abducted by this same criminal and comes across numerous other captive women in his hideout.After barely getting away, McTiernan joins forces with Cross to catch the unhinged Casanova.
Performances
In the role of Dr. Alex Cross, Morgan Freeman gives a strong and detailed performance. Freeman plays Cross with smarts, a strong will, and understanding, creating a captivating lead character. His talent in showing the character’s inner conflicts and unwavering quest for fairness enriches the movie.
Ashley Judd truly stands out in her role as Kate McTiernan, a brave and tough survivor. Her portrayal skillfully balances vulnerability and strength, depicting the challenges and bravery of a woman who stands strong against adversity. The connection she shares with Freeman’s character, Alex Cross, is evident and adds a compelling element to their partnership.
Cary Elwes and Tony Goldwyn shine in their performances, bringing depth to the story. Elwes as FBI agent Nick Ruskin adds urgency and suspense to the investigation, while Goldwyn’s portrayal of Dr. William Rudolph introduces a surprising element to the plot.
Kiss the Girls(Photo credit: IMDb)
Release:
The movie first showed at the Deauville Film Festival in September 1997. It then hit 2,271 screens across the US the next month. During its debut weekend, it made $13,215,167. By the end of its US run, it had collected a total of $60,527,873, securing the 28th spot in terms of domestic earnings for the year.
Critical reception:
The movie didn’t get good reviews. It has a rating of 34% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 35 reviews. The critics say that “Detective Alex Cross doesn’t shine in his first movie, Kiss the Girls, which is a clumsy thriller with not many surprises.”
Stephen Holden from The New York Times mentioned that the movie resembles The Silence of the Lambs. However, he pointed out that it starts off well but eventually loses its way as it focuses too much on action rather than maintaining a coherent storyline.Holden describes Morgan Freeman as someone who shows kindness, patience, and cleverness, which contrasts with the movie’s quick pace and exaggerated shocking scenes. Freeman’s acting is so well-balanced that it encourages you to have more faith in the movie despite its gimmicky and patched-together storyline.
Awards:
In 1998, Judd got a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Motion Picture at the Satellite Awards.
A Family Affair | Official Trailer | Netflix
Public Review
This exciting thriller is just as impressive as a book by James Patterson and shows wonderful chemistry between Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd. The main storyline revolves around Freeman’s quest to find two serial kidnappers and murderers who target talented and beautiful young women, one of whom is Freeman’s niece.
Two murderers compete to capture and eliminate their victims. Like many mysteries, this story includes misleading clues, false trails, and unresolved paths. Freeman shines as Alex Cross, while Judd portrays a resilient and resourceful character with great skill and effectiveness.
In a movie that moves at a relaxed pace and builds up to an exciting end, the supporting actors shine brightly. The filming location in North Carolina, the music, and the cinematography are all top-notch. They add a lot to the overall quality of the film.
Conclusion:
The movie “Kiss the Girls” stands out as a remarkable and gripping film in the crime thriller category. With its mix of delving into the mind, powerful acting, and keeping you on the edge of your seat with its story, it has secured a prominent spot in the world of movies. The film’s examination of ideas like survival, strength, and fairness strikes a chord with viewers, turning it into more than just an exciting story.
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Cast and Roles of “Kiss the Girls”
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan Freeman | Dr. Alex Cross | Meet Dr. Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective. He’s on a mission to locate his niece and put a halt to the notorious serial kidnapper called “Casanova.” |
| Ashley Judd | Kate McTiernan | Kate McTiernan is a strong and clever woman who successfully gets away from Casanova’s grasp. Her intelligence and courage play a vital role in the investigation. |
| Cary Elwes | Nick Ruskin | Nick Ruskin, an FBI agent, teams up with Alex Cross in the investigation, adding urgency and tension to the chase for Casanova. |
| Alex McArthur | Det. Davey Sikes | Local law enforcement officer Detective Davey Sikes helps Alex Cross find Casanova and the people he harmed. |
| Tony Goldwyn | Dr. William Rudolph | Dr. William Rudolph is a friend of Casanova who gets involved in the investigation, making things more complicated and adding a surprising turn to the tale. |
| Jay O. Sanders | FBI Agent Kyle Craig | Senior FBI agent, Kyle Craig, plays a crucial role in guiding the case. With his wealth of experience and authority, he offers essential backing to Alex and Nick as they lead the investigation. |
| Bill Nunn | Det. John Sampson | Detective John Sampson is a good pal of Alex Cross and a reliable coworker. His faithfulness and assistance are crucial in the investigation. |
| Gina Ravera | Naomi Cross | Naomi Cross, who is Alex’s niece, gets captured by Casanova. This event triggers Alex to get deeply involved in the case. |
| Jeremy Piven | Henry Castillo | Henry Castillo works as an investigative journalist. He reports on the case, adding more public pressure and intrigue to the ongoing investigation. |
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