When your son is kidnapped, what would you do? Usually if you are a rich guy, you simply pay off the kidnappers and be done with it. But in this movie by Mel Gibson he did the unthinkable.
When millionaire Tom Mullen's (played by Mel Gibson) was kidnapped during a science fair, they were contacted by the kidnappers to pay up USD2,000,000 for the boy. FBI stepped in and helped in the payment of the ransom to have the boy released. During the hand off, something went wrong and the deal didn't push through.
The kidnappers arranged for another drop but then Tom had another idea. Instead of handing over the money, he decided to go on live television and made the money as a bounty on the heads of the kidnappers. This move was unknown to his wife Kate (played by Rene Russo) and much to the frustration of the FBI who was against this idea. His move might antagonize the kidnappers and harm the kid. This turn of events irked the kidnappers and sent over a bloodied shirt of their Sean. Tom angered by this show, he increased the bounty to USD4,000,000.
Noting the escalation of the bounty and the non payment by Tom, the kidnappers are now arguing with each other. Their precious money is now gone and they are afraid people will be after them because of the reward money. A couple of them tries to flee but the leader, NYPD Detective Jimmy Shaker (played by Gary Sinise) shot at them, cutting off loose ends, while he called the New York Police for assistance.
With the kidnappers dead, Shaker becomes a hero for finding the boy. Tom and Kate went over the place and got their son back. Everything was going well then Shaker got the shakes. His reward was scheduled days away and he was afraid he would be found out as the leader of the kidnappers and persuaded Tom to give him the reward money right away. While his cheque was being prepared, Tom's son heard their conversation and froze after hearing his voice. This made Tom realize Shaker's character and proceeds to give him a faulty cheque. Shaker noticed the fake signature and proceeds to kidnap Tom so they can go to the bank for his money. Shaker also demanded Tom to have ready his private jet for his getaway. Tom fakes a call to his pilot but he really called the FBI secretly telling them of his situation.
The police then converge on both outside the bank and shots were fired hitting the police, the Tom and Shaker were now grappling for the latter's gun. Tom eventually won the gun and aimed it towards Shaker. He didn't fire upon him however Shaker pulled another gun but was shot by the FBI then he was arrested.
Mel Gibson and Rene Russo are great as doting loving parents here. Distraught by kidnapping, they showed how vulnerable they were. Very much different personas they exude as lovers in Lethal Weapon, another movie that they were paired together. Gary Sinise is to watch for here in this movie. I love his performance here more than the two and he doesn't disappoint.
A kidnapping movie with a twist, Ransom is something a must watch for me as a thriller movie. Story telling wasn't boring, drama as it is, it kept me interested even though I hate drama movies. Currently showing on Netflix, something worthwhile to watch during the time of Mel Gibson's famous days.
