Along Came a Spider *** (2001, Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott, Mika Boorem, Michael Moriarty, Penelope Ann Miller, Dylan Baker, Anton Yelchin) – Classic Film Review 890

In director Lee Tamahori’s 2001 movie, Morgan Freeman continues his role as police detective-psychologist Alex Cross in this efficient and fast-moving, if mechanical and highly unlikely cop thriller sequel to 1997’s Kiss the Girls.

Despite the so very devious goings-on, the tone’s much lighter and the situations are more old-fashioned this time, what with lots of re-warmed thriller clichés on show. Michael Wincott is excellent as the creepy villain Gary Soneji, who, after three years in disguise as a teacher abducts a schoolgirl Megan Rose (Mika Boorem) from her elite high school, despite her Secret Service protection. She is the daughter of Senator Hank Rose (Michael Moriarty) and the kidnapper seems to want to deal with Alex Cross personally, calling him up.

Monica Potter is okay if improbable as the FBI agent Jezzie Flannigan, supposedly protecting the girl, who teams up with Freeman to solve the case. Penelope Ann Miller, Dylan Baker and Anton Yelchin also star.

It’s hard to bring enough freshness to such an old-style detective mystery, but there’s enough action, suspense and tension to paper over some duff dialogue and naff moments, while Freeman, methodical and dogged, keeps it dignified and credible.

Marc Moss adapts James Patterson’s novel.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 890

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com