Directed by: Lee Tamahori
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Billy Burke, Michael Wincott, Penelope Ann Miller, Michael Moriarty, Jay O. Sanders
Morgan Freeman returns as Agent Alex Cross in Along Came a Spider, which follows the successful formula of Kiss the Girls as Cross deduces what's happening and finds clues where no one else can. His sixth or seventh sense borders on absurdity at times, but it's fun to watch. In Along Came a Spider, Cross is called out of a self-imposed retirement (after a botched operation causes the death of his partner) to locate a kidnapped daughter of a U.S. Senator.
The kidnapper is the deranged, but resourceful Gary Soneji (Wincott), who keeps the girl on his boat and his only demand is that Alex Cross work the case. I guess Gary is a big fan. Cross is assisted by Secret Service Agent Jezzie Flanagan (Potter), who was assigned to protect the girl but feels guilty that she was nabbed right out from under her nose. This is a role which utilizes Freeman's innate intelligence to its full effect. We buy what's happening, even if it may seem ludicrous after giving it some thought. Wincott specializes in playing creepy villains and he doesn't disappoint here either. Then, the surprises start flying at us fast and furious as is typical in thrillers like these.
Along Came a Spider is less dark and ominous than Kiss the Girls. We have one kidnapped child instead of several kidnapped girls held hostage in a dungeon, but the success of both movies hinges on Freeman's complete believability which grounds things. He can utter any dialogue and make it sound like it's coming from God's lips. You can't say that about too many actors.
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