Despite utilizing a visual whirlwind of cinematic tricks, this socio-political thriller falls short of fulfilling its heavier goals but provides a powerful peek into the class issues of modern Venezuela.
Despite utilizing a visual whirlwind of cinematic tricks, this socio-political thriller falls short of fulfilling its heavier goals but provides a powerful peek into the class issues of modern Venezuela.
The current wave of kidnappings in Latin America inspired this tense suspense drama. Martin (Jean Paul Leroux) and Carla (Mía Maestro) are a wealthy young couple who, after a night of club hopping, head back to their car to go home. However, three kidnappers -- Bubu (Pedro Perez), Niga (Carlos Madera), and Trece (Carlos Julio Molina) -- are waiting for them; seeing how free they are with their money, the men figure that Martin and Carla should fetch a decent ransom for their release. The
kidnappers demand 20,000 dollars to set Martin and Carla free, and Carla's father (Rubén Blades) struggles to raise the cash, with the criminals insisting upon payment in a mere two hours. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Secuestro Express seems less interested in dramatizing the crushing inequities of that nation than in serving up hefty doses of sadism and titillation.
Part exploitation thriller and part sociopolitical statement, Secuestro Express is a little too enamored of its own gangsta cool to be taken seriously.
from its opening 'shot', Secuestro Express takes its captive audience at gunpoint on a heart-pounding tour of crime, corruption and class war in downtown Caracas.
From beginning to end, Secuestro Express proves an obnoxious mess determinedly employing the kidnapping conceit it laments to stimulate popcorn movie sentiments.
Impeccably directed, tightly-wound and extremely tense thriller with some neat twists and a healthy dose of social commentary thrown in for good measure.
More than it deserves, the DVD has two director commentaries (one subtitled with the actors), deleted scenes, a couple of featurettes, and a hip-hop video of the thug trio in their real-life role as rappers.
A very realistic feel of a story of a kidnapping. Impressive actiing all round, in particular Mia Maestro. The kidnapping gang are played by members of one of South America's most popular rap groups 'Vagos Y Maleantes' Gritty and action packed, this film will hold you from start to finish.
It's a dog-eat-dog world in Venezuela. A story that follows the trials of a group kidnappers as well as their kidnappees, with a nice dose of humour and social commentary.
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