MOVIE REVIEW FOR "CELLULAR" STARRING KIM BASINGER, CHRIS EVANS, AND WILLIAM H.
MACY

Most thrillers released in August and September turn out to be some of the worst
films of the entire year, lacking in both story and entertainment value. Every
now and again, a film will come along that proves those norms wrong. "Cellular"
is one of those films, a fast paced, very realistic thriller with impressive
performances and a tightly wound story. This actually turned out to be one of
the best thrillers of the entire year, alongwith the ingenius "Taking Lives".

Kim Basinger stars as Jessica Martin, a typical mother and wife who also happens
to be a high school science teacher. One day, five men bust into her house,
murder her housekeeper, and take her with them. Their leader is a man named
Greer (Jason Statham), a cop who is after Basinger's husband to retrieve a video
he shot of Greer and some cop friends beating and then murdering two drug
dealers. Basinger, frightened for her life, assembles a broken telephone and
keeps dialing numbers until she finally reaches a twenty something named Ryan
(Chris Evans). He eventually believes she really is kidnapped and tries to
enlist Detective Mooney (William H. Macy) to assist him, though he is
sidetracked.

The remainder of the film is a rollercoaster ride, one development after
another. The whole side story involving Macy retiring to open a day spa is
hilarious, especially when his Captain, Noah Emmerich, continually calls it a
'beauty parlor'. Macy brings a real humanity to his character and doesn't treat
the material like 'just another thriller'. Basinger is as vulnerable as ever and
has never looked better. Watch the general displeasure in her eyes when she
slices one of her captors with a piece of glass, killing him -- it is just as
painful for her. And, Chris Evans once again shows us he can act, this so better
than ever before. This film could really send his young career on the upslide,
and it probably will.

Movies like "Cellular" are a treat to watch and make going to the movies more
exciting than ever, especially in a time when we are not seeing such quality
films hit theatres. I was highly surprised by this film and think you will be
also. Very enjoyable indeed.

Kim Basinger (Jessica Martin)
Chris Evans (Ryan)
Jason Statham (Greer)
William H. Macy (Detective Mooney)
Jessica Biel (Chloe)
Eric Christian Olsen (Chad)

Director: David R. Ellis

RATED PG-13

THREE POPS

Billy Ray