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Butterfly on a Wheel


The Butterfly / Butterfly on a Wheel


Butterfly on a wheel is a film starring some big names such as, Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Gerard Butler (300, The Ugly truth, Law-Abiding Citizen), Maria Bello and a small role played by Samantha Ferris (Supernatural: Television series). In Chicago, the family man and executive of an advertisement agency Neil Randall (Butler) has a perfect life. He is married to his beautiful wife, Abby (Bello), has a beautiful and behaved daughter, as well as having a wonderful house. In his work his a rising star, expecting a promotion on a more than regular basis. When Neil's boss Karl Granger invites him to spend the weekend in his cottage, Abby hires a nanny for Sophie to spend the day with her sister Diane (Ferris). However, while Neil is driving his wife to meet with her sister, a stranger hidden on the backseat appears with a gun, and tells that he has kidnapped Sophie; the couples daughter. Upon first realization of a man in the back of their car with a gun, the two Randall's go into a state of panic. However, after being calmed by the man in the back seat who know introduced himself as "Ryan" (Brosnon), he explains that he has taken their daughter Sophie hostage. In doing so, Ryan holds all the cards and for twenty-four hours, the couple shall obey his orders, otherwise he would kill Sophie. While keeping the couple under his control, he shows that he is a brilliant mind with nothing to lose, with the intention of destroying Neil's perfect life - no matter what it may cost him.

This film took on something that I hadn't seen to often before. Sure there was the kidnapping of a girl and the holding of her hostage, but it had a very unique feel to it -- as if it was going beyond all those films that we see now days. The movie explains itself extremely well, and ensures that there are no questions in the viewers mind unanswered. It appeared beautifully directed, shot, and written; so much in fact that it had most viewers heard of rather captivated.

Director Mike Barker truly put his all into this film and ensured that it was going to be fairly close to a masterpiece. He obviously wanted it to be unique for the time it was made; to jump out to audiences and ask them "Are you all ready for this thrill ride?"
The majority of scenes in the film felt right - however - I'm sure certain aspects could have been cut away to ensure that he film ran along slightly smoother; but none the less; I guess it was needed in order to explain everything. Seeings as though this movie explains itself the way it does, the writing was well done - like wise with the direction. The line reading was well suited to the said characters and the developments over the time period grew relevant; as well as the feelings one had toward certain characters.

Cast members put in their solid performances. Gerard Butler pulled off a great helpless dad for the majority of the film, however, might have taken the 'hero' role that was thrust upon him in parts a little too much. None the less, a solid performance on his behalf. Brosnon played an excellent 'bad guy' really allowing us to grow hate for him, as well as feeling what he was doing had a drive to it -- you never thought there was just a random attacker on this family. Maria Bello pulled off a brilliant performance and drove her character throughout the movie as defenseless . It was a perfect cast, set to a perfect story, set with the perfect director for the film and genre. The performances keep you captivated, and the story drives you to want more.

With all the twists and turns in this movie, there's bound to be some people that wont take a liking to it, however, this film allowed my mind to play with the pieces that were left jumbled as the movie went on; trying to figure out exactly what Ryan's motive was, and what he was going to do next to these poor, innocent people.

Bond gone darkside ? Is it possible? After this, Brosnon's got me convinced.